A Self-adaptive ultrasound patch for transcranial multimodal dynamic focusing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Materials Science

Background:

• Focused ultrasound (FUS) offers non-invasive brain stimulation but faces challenges with wearable device conformity and dynamic focusing.
• Existing flexible FUS probes struggle with precise dynamic focusing, limiting their application on complex anatomical surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a curvature-adaptive and reconfigurable focusing flexible transducer (CR-FFT) for advanced wearable brain science applications.
• To overcome the limitations of rigid and non-adaptive flexible FUS devices for improved usability in neuroscience.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 64-element matrix probe using laser processing on a flexible, stretchable substrate.
• Implementation of a row-column addressing (RCA) structure for multi-scale beamforming and dynamic focusing.
• Systematic characterization of mechanical, electrical, and acoustic properties, including validation on a sheep skull model.

Main Results:

• The CR-FFT demonstrated high flexibility (R ≥ 1.5 cm), lightweight design (≤ 1.58 g), and miniaturization (≤ 9 mm²).
• Successful validation of RCA beamforming across multiple activation modes.
• Demonstrated non-invasive phase compensation on a complex sheep skull surface, confirming adaptability.

Conclusions:

• The CR-FFT is a promising wearable technology for precise, non-invasive focused ultrasound applications in brain science.
• Its curvature-adaptive and reconfigurable capabilities open new avenues for targeted neuromodulation and advanced imaging.
• The device's design overcomes key limitations, paving the way for next-generation brain-computer interfaces and therapies.