Curvilinear 3-D Imaging Using Row-Column-Addressed 2-D Arrays With a Diverging Lens: Phantom Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Acoustic Lens Technology
• Ultrasound Systems

Background:

• Standard row-column-addressed (RCA) 2-D arrays have a limited rectilinear 3-D imaging field of view (FOV).
• Expanding the FOV is essential for advanced medical imaging, particularly for dynamic organs like the heart and abdomen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of double-curved diverging lenses to enhance the 3-D FOV of RCA 2-D arrays.
• To evaluate the imaging performance, including FOV, penetration depth, and resolution, with these modified arrays.

Main Methods:

• Manufactured two concave silicone lenses with radii of 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm.
• Performed simulations and phantom measurements to assess lens properties and FOV.
• Implemented a synthetic aperture imaging sequence with single-element transmissions.

Main Results:

• Measured FOV showed less than 15% deviation from theoretical predictions, achieving curvilinear volumes.
• Achieved penetration depths of 100 mm and 125 mm for the 12.7-mm and 25.4-mm lenses, respectively.
• Reported azimuth, elevation, and radial full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) values at 43-mm depth.

Conclusions:

• The proposed double-curved diverging lens approach effectively increases the 3-D FOV for RCA 2-D array imaging.
• This method provides a viable solution for applications requiring extended volumetric imaging capabilities in medical ultrasound.