微纳相控线阵超声换能器参数的理论分析*

微纳相控线阵超声换能器参数(阵元数目、阵元宽度及阵元间距)直接影响其横向声场分布,而其横向声场分布是能否实现高成像分辨率、大探测深度的决定性因素,也是制备换能器的主要依据。该文利用数值模拟研究微纳相控线阵超声换能器阵元参数对其横向声场中主瓣强度、-3 dB主瓣宽度、第一级旁瓣及栅瓣的影响。结果表明,主瓣强度随着阵元数目增加而增大,随阵元间距减小而增大,随着阵元宽度的增大呈现先增大后减小的趋势;-3 dB主瓣宽度随着阵元数目和阵元间距的增大而减小,随着阵元宽度的减小而减小;此外,减小阵元数目、减小阵元间距或增大阵元宽度均可以抑制旁瓣;栅瓣在阵元间距满足一定条件时可以完全消除。通过这些研究为微纳相控线阵超声换能器的优化设计与制备提供理论参考。     

圆阵的水平方向性

本文给出了阵元具有任意指向性的圆阵水平方向性函数的计算公式。对单面辐射阵元组成的圆阵进行了深入的讨论,给出了各种参数对阵方向性影响的规律性。对点元组成的圆阵,本文得出如下规律:使用奇数个阵元比用偶数个阵元更易于得到均匀的方向性;阵半径和波数的乘积接近零阶贝塞尔函数的零点,方向性的不均匀度明显增加,而且阵的接收灵敏度(或发射响应)显著降低。     

宽带密排平面阵声辐射分析

应用声有限元-边界元法计算了宽带基阵声场分布.建立了平面9元阵有限元-边界元模型,给出了阵元之间互阻抗数值计算方法,分析了阵元间互辐射对声性能影响的变化规律,计算了9元阵3个谐振频率点处指向性和波束宽度.利用3谐振换能器研制出一种宽带密排平面9元阵,并在消声水池中对其输入阻抗和指向性进行了实验测量.研究结果表明,按阵元...     

圆阵的互辐射阻和辐射功率

本文给出了由点元组成的圆阵的互辐射阻和辐射功率的计算公式,从理论上证明了当相邻阵元间的距离比较近时,单个阵元的辐射阻将随阵元数目N成正比地增加,辐射功率随N的增加将逐渐缓慢,最后趋于一个恒定的值。     

多元相控聚焦探测器的方向特性

研究了多元线性阵列探测器的主频、阵元个数和阵元间距对探测器方向性的影响.实验结果表明,采用主频为2～5 MHz,阵元数为5～15,阵元间距为0.3～0.9 mm的多元线性阵列探测器,其方向性好,将有利于光声信号的探测与成像.     

非均匀钹式换能器平面阵指向性特性研究

针对钹式基阵工作频率低、布阵紧凑导致阵元之间互干扰严重、指向性能退化的现象,本文在均匀平面基阵的基础上提出强度可调节的非均匀平面基阵,建立了基阵指向性能的数学模型,通过数值计算的方法分析阵元间距和中心阵元声强度变化对基阵指向性能的影响。研究给出了主瓣宽度、旁瓣个数、栅瓣个数随阵元间距的变化规律,总结了在各种工作频率下,基阵可用的最大阵元间距。研究结果表明:中心阵元强度增大时,基阵的总体指向性稍有降低。所以当通过调整阵元间距和强度来优化基阵指向性能时,应综合考虑它们对基阵其它性能的影响,以获得最佳的总体性能。     

二维超声阵列换能器声场的两种时域仿真模型比较

针对二维超声阵列换能器的声场仿真,以xMATRIX超声换能器结构为原型,设计仿真实验对分割阵元空间脉冲响应模型和离散点阵代表模型的计算精度、计算效率、影响参数和适用场合进行了分析比较.结果表明,分割阵元空间脉冲响应模型计算速度快,精度高,对阵元尺寸、阵元间距、聚焦深度及阵元高宽比例敏感,广泛应用于均匀介质中的声场仿真....     

波束域加权子空间拟合算法

将阵元域高分辨加权子空间拟合算法（ＷＳＦ算法）推广到了波束域中,利用声系统接收基阵波束输出信息估计目标方位．由于波束输出可以看作是,一个阵元数为波束个数的虚拟阵的阵元输出,而在大多数的水声系统中,参与确定某个来向的信号方位的波束数通常远小于阵元数,从而算法的运算量得以大大降低。针对某水声系统接收基阵波束输出所作的计算机仿真结果表明,波束域ＷＳＦ算法应用到实际的水声系统时,可以保持其在阵元域中估计目标方位的优越性能。     

单声线水声MIMO信道容量的研究

本文对水声MIMO(Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output)信道容量受收发阵元数目、间距,收发阵位置、方向,平均接收信噪比以及声速剖面的斜率的影响,在收发阵元之间只存一条声线的情况下,通过WKB近似进行了初步的研究。从计算结果可以看出,当收发阵元对之间只存在一条声线时,阵元间距会对MIMO信道容量产生重要影响:当收发阵元间距足够大时, MIMO系统的信道容量将随着接收信噪比和收发阵元数线性增加,一个m×m的MIMO系统的信道容量将为相应的 SISO(Single-Input-Single-Output)系统的m倍,收发阵的方向也会对MIMO系统信道容量产生较大的影响,另外,收发阵的深度、距离也会对水声MIMO信道容量产生影响,声速剖面的斜率在一般水声信道的声速变化范围内,对信道容量的影响不大。     

一种四元超短基线阵实现高精度定位

由于超短基线自身尺寸较小,随着作用距离增加,其定位误差增大。对此,本文在阵元数较小的情况下,通过优化阵型形成间距不等的四元阵来提高系统定位精度。该阵型既减少了已有八元阵的冗余阵元,也不需要发射端发送跳频信号。本文给出了新阵型的相位补偿公式以及所适用频带的理论分析。理论分析和数值仿真表明:本文所述新阵型与已有的八元阵定位精度相当。可为改善超短基线定位精度提供一些参考。     

Stochastic resonance in a parallel array of linear elements

This paper studies stochastic resonance(SR) phenomenon in a parallel array of linear elements with noise.Employing the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) theory,it obtains the output SNR,and investigates the effects on the output SNR of the system with signal-independent noise and signal-dependent noise respectively.Numerical results show:the curve of the output SNR is monotone with signal-independent noise;whereas SR appears with signal-dependent noise.Moreover,the output SNR enhances rapidly with the increase of N which is the number of elements in this parallel array linear system.This result may provide smart array of simple linear sensors which are capable of acting as noise-aided amplifiers.     

Spectral estimation for characterization of acoustic aberration

Spectral estimation based on acoustic backscatter from a motionless stochastic medium is described for characterization of aberration in ultrasonic imaging. The underlying assumptions for the estimation are: The correlation length of the medium is short compared to the length of the transmitted acoustic pulse, an isoplanatic region of sufficient size exists around the focal point, and the backscatter can be modeled as an ergodic stochastic process. The motivation for this work is ultrasonic imaging with aberration correction. Measurements were performed using a two-dimensional array system with 80 x 80 transducer elements and an element pitch of 0.6 mm. The f number for the measurements was 1.2 and the center frequency was 3.0 MHz with a 53% bandwidth. Relative phase of aberration was extracted from estimated cross spectra using a robust least-mean-square-error method based on an orthogonal expansion of the phase differences of neighboring wave forms as a function of frequency. Estimates of cross-spectrum phase from measurements of random scattering through a tissue-mimicking aberrator have confidence bands approximately +/- 5 degrees wide. Both phase and magnitude are in good agreement with a reference characterization obtained from a point scatterer.     

Optimization of point spread function in ultrasound arrays

The design of aperture weightings in ultrasound arrays is a multi-objective optimization problem, involving parameters such as delays, aperture size, focal depth, operating frequency and beam properties. Besides, apodization causes the SNR in array output to be decreased. We introduce an analytic expression of the lateral point spread function and a model for SNR as nonlinear functions of weights, based on which, a new aperture design method is established, resulting in an optimal set of weights. These weights provide a point spread function having the predetermined peak sidelobe level, while the SNR in array output is optimized. Optimization results from a linear array with M=128 elements equally spaced at one wavelength, center frequency f0=3.5 MHz and 50% relative bandwidth, have shown that decreasing the peak sidelobe level, decreases the SNR. Therefore, an array designer can select a proper set of weights according to its application, using a SNR curve versus to the peak sidelobe level. In addition, the method can maintain the same beam properties over a long range with low variations in the SNR. Simulation results have shown only 1 dB variations in the SNR for depths from 20 mm to 120 mm, which is a longer range and better SNR performance than the conventional methods.     

A spiral wave front beacon for underwater navigation: basic concept and modeling

A spiral wave front source produces an acoustic field that has a phase that is proportional to the azimuthal angle about the source. The concept of a spiral wave front beacon is developed by combining this source with a reference source that has a phase that is constant with the angle. The phase difference between these sources contains information about the receiver's azimuthal angle relative to the beacon and can be used for underwater navigation. To produce the spiral wave front, two sources are considered: a "physical-spiral" source, which produces the appropriate phase by physically deforming the active element of the source into a spiral, and a "phased-spiral" source, which uses an array of active elements, each driven with the appropriate phase, to produce the spiral wave front. Using finite element techniques, the fields produced by these sources are examined in the context of the spiral wave front beacon, and the advantages of each source are discussed.     

干涉成像系统信噪比的统计分析

根据统计光学建立了干涉成像系统信噪比的理论模型,数值分析了干涉成像系统信噪比与系统参数之间的关系。分析结果表明:为了提高系统的信噪比,应提高信号光场强度与噪声光场强度之比,使参考光和测试光光强接近相等,降低系统中光学元件的数量和每个元件的偏差,使光源相干长度约为测试光和参考光间光程差的2～5倍。要使信噪比大于10,则要求系统中光学元件总偏差的标准差小于1/4波长。信噪比的统计理论模型可为干涉成像系统设计和干涉测量提供理论指导。     

一种基于模态域波束形成的水平阵被动目标深度估计

水面水下目标分辨与识别一直是被动声呐探测领域的难题.利用一种水平阵模态域波束形成算法获得己知方位目标声源的各阶模态强度,将其与不同深度的各阶参考模态强度进行匹配,最终实现了对声源的深度估计.仿真结果表明,该算法可以在信噪比为-10 dB的情况下,用300Hz带宽的信号样本,实现对声源深度的有效估计.系统分析了不同参数和不同波导条件对该方法目标深度估计性能的影响.其中,阵元数越多,模态样本数越多,计算频段越宽,方位估计精度越高,有效阵长越长,深度估计的性能越好.阵元间距和波导深度的变化不会影响该方法的深度估计性能,并且该方法的深度估计性能在声速剖面、海底参数等波导条件存在扰动时具有鲁棒性.     

Flexible,phase-matched,linear receive arrays for high-field MRI in monkeys

High signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) are essential for high-resolution anatomical and functional MRI. Phased arrays are advantageous for this but have the drawback that they often have inflexible and bulky configurations. Particularly in experiments where functional MRI is combined with simultaneous electrophysiology, space constraints can be prohibitive. To this end we developed a highly flexible multiple receive element phased array for use on anesthetized monkeys. The elements are interchangeable and different sizes and combinations of coil elements can be used, for instance, combinations of single and overlapped elements. The preamplifiers including control electronics are detachable and can serve a variety of prefabricated and phase matched arrays of different configurations, allowing the elements to always be placed in close proximity to the area of interest. Optimizing performance of the individual elements ensured high SNR at the cortical surface as well as in deeper laying structures. Performance of a variety of arrangements of gapped linear arrays was evaluated at 4.7 and 7T in high-resolution anatomical and functional MRI.     

Guided wave arrays for high resolution inspection

The paper describes a general approach for processing data from a guided wave transducer array on a plate-like structure. The raw data set from such an array contains time-domain signals from each transmitter-receiver combination. The technique is based on linear superposition of signals in the frequency domain with some amplitude and phase factors and can be applied to any array geometry and any types of array elements. The problem of finding optimal coefficients, which allow the best resolution to be achieved with the minimum number of array elements, is investigated. It is shown that improvements in resolution are obtained at the expense of sensitivity to noise. A method of quantifying this sensitivity is presented. Results are shown that illustrate the application of the technique to a linear array and an array of circular geometry (containing a single ring of elements). Experimental data obtained from a guided wave array containing electromagnetic acoustic transducer elements for exciting and detecting the S0 Lamb wave mode in a 5-mm-thick aluminum plate are processed with different algorithms and the results are discussed. Generalization of the technique for the case of multimode media is suggested.     

Blind deconvolution for robust signal estimation and approximate source localization

Synthetic time reversal (STR) is a technique for blind deconvolution in an unknown multipath environment that relies on generic features (rays or modes) of multipath sound propagation. This paper describes how ray-based STR signal estimates may be improved and how ray-based STR sound-channel impulse-response estimates may be exploited for approximate source localization in underwater environments. Findings are based on simulations and underwater experiments involving source-array ranges from 100 m to 1 km in 60 -m-deep water and chirp signals with a bandwidth of 1.5-4.0 kHz. Signal estimation performance is quantified by the correlation coefficient between the source-broadcast and the STR-estimated signals for a variable number N of array elements, 2 ≤ N ≤ 32, and a range of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), -5 dB ≤ SNR ≤ 30 dB. At high SNR, STR-estimated signals are found to have cross-correlation coefficients of ～90% with as few as four array elements, and similar performance may be achieved at a SNR of nearly 0 dB with 32 array elements. When the broadband STR-estimated impulse response is used for source localization via a simple ray-based backpropagation scheme, the results are less ambiguous than those obtained from conventional broadband matched field processing.     

菲涅耳数字全息成像系统的脉冲响应分析

数字全息成像由CCD记录数字全息图后经过计算机数值重建物光波场,这个过程从傅里叶变换角度看等同于数字全息图的频谱分析。讨论了数字成像系统的脉冲响应函数,并分别推导了其实像、虚像、零级像在平面波和球面波照射下的波前复振幅分布。结果表明,实像和虚像是移位的夫琅和费衍射分布,而零级像是CCD光瞳的菲涅耳衍射分布,且与参考光波前分布无关。