Laser Scanning Guided Localization Imaging with a Laser-Machined Two-Dimensional Flexible Ultrasonic Array.

Area of Science:

• Flexible electronics
• Piezoelectric materials
• Ultrasonic imaging

Background:

• Flexible integrated circuits and piezoelectric materials enable stretchable transducers for body integration.
• Current applications require higher flexibility and smaller sizes for arrays on dynamic surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an 8x8 two-dimensional flexible ultrasonic array (2D-FUA) for improved imaging on complex surfaces.
• To introduce a novel laser scanning and positioning method to address array element displacement after deformation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 2D-FUA using laser micromachining with a single-layer "island bridge" structure.
• Characterization of the array's mechanical and acoustoelectric properties.
• Implementation of a laser scanning and positioning method for flexible array imaging.

Main Results:

• The "island bridge" structure enhances imaging on complex surfaces.
• The laser scanning method effectively solves array element displacement issues.
• Successful multi-modal localization imaging experiments were performed on plane and curved surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The developed 2D-FUA demonstrates high flexibility and imaging capabilities on complex geometries.
• The laser scanning technique facilitates rapid imaging of flexible arrays on non-planar surfaces.
• This technology holds significant potential for medical-assisted localization imaging applications.