Volumetric Ultrasound Imaging Based on 4096-Element Large-Aperture 2D Array

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology
• Array Signal Processing

Background:

• Large aperture 2D arrays enhance ultrasound imaging by improving lateral resolution at depth.
• Electronic focusing in elevation is crucial for achieving higher contrast resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel 4,096-element large-aperture 2D ultrasound array.
• To evaluate its performance in high-resolution volumetric imaging.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 4,096-element (128x32) 2D array with specific element pitches and a 2.4 MHz center frequency.
• Integrated custom multiplexing ASICs, local preamplifiers, and an FPGA control interface.
• Conducted phantom experiments using a tissue-mimicking phantom.

Main Results:

• Achieved penetration depth beyond 120 mm.
• Obtained axial and lateral resolutions of 0.40 mm and 0.46 mm at 51 mm depth.
• Demonstrated maximum CNR of 2.13 and gCNR of 0.94 for cyst targets.

Conclusions:

• The large aperture 2D array effectively enables high-resolution volumetric ultrasound imaging.
• The system demonstrates significant potential for future clinical translation.