256-channel parallel ultrasound open platform: Enabling high-resolution imaging and stimulation research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Ultrasound imaging and stimulation are vital for non-invasive diagnostics and therapies.
• Integrated ultrasound systems offer versatile solutions for fundamental research.
• High-performance, programmable platforms drive innovation in basic and clinical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce and validate a novel open ultrasound research platform.
• Support high-resolution imaging and effective ultrasound stimulation.
• Address current research needs in the biomedical field.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 256-channel platform with 100 MHz sampling rate and 10 Gb/s optical data transfer.
• Incorporated plane wave imaging and full matrix capture for real-time, high-resolution imaging.
• Enabled customized waveform generation (up to 200 Vpp) for neuromodulation and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent lateral resolution of 100 µm in ultrasound imaging.
• Demonstrated real-time carotid artery imaging with accurate heart and respiratory rate quantification.
• Confirmed effective ultrasound stimulation capability with peak positive pressures up to 1.253 MPa.

Conclusions:

• Validated a 256-channel ultrasound platform integrating imaging and stimulation.
• Demonstrated high resolution, real-time imaging, and monitoring capabilities.
• Confirmed therapeutic potential for advanced biomedical ultrasound applications.