Development and investigation of ultrasound linear phased arrays for transrectal treatment of prostate

We used the rectangular radiator method as a numerical solution to the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction integral for calculating the acoustic fields produced by linear arrays. The appropriate phases and amplitudes of voltages applied to the elements were computed using the pseudo-inverse method. We have developed and acoustically evaluated several constructions of planar linear ultrasound phased arrays for transrectal thermotherapy of prostate diseases. The designs of the linear phased arrays used in this work were the result of compromise in terms of the choice of frequency and number and size of elements, in order to investigate a means of improving array performance which might lead to increased efficacy and safety of the thermal treatment. The results obtained are in agreement with the data of other studies and show that a linear plane phased array may be potentially useful for thermal therapy.     

Cascade arrangement of irregular optical phased arrays

We present the principle of cascade arrangement of irregular optical phased arrays. The optical phased-array beam deflector comprises arrayed optical waveguides that are spaced irregularly and arranged in a two-stage cascade. Relations between optical path differences and corresponding center-to-center spacings among elements in each stage are found, and phase matches between the two stages are achieved. Simulation shows a wide scanning angle with dramatically suppressed sidelobes.     

Influence of amplitude errors on beam-steered phased arrays

For the image quality of two-dimensional ultrasound systems, spatial resolution is one of the most important parameters. This resolution is determined by the directivity pattern. In practice, the directivity pattern of phased arrays will be distorted due to errors in critical components. In this study two parameters describing the distribution of amplitude errors over the aperture and the range of amplitude errors are dealt with. With these parameters qualitative predictions of the directivity pattern are possible. To keep the directivity pattern acceptable, error parameters must remain within certain limits. Practical guide-lines to evaluate the beam distortion on the basis of a minimum number of simulations or measurements are given.     

An ultrasonic multi-wave focusing and imaging method for linear phased arrays

To overcome the inherent limits of traditional single wave imaging for nondestructive testing,the multi-wave focusing and imaging method is thoroughly studied.This method makes the compressional waves and shear waves focused in both emission and reception processes,which strengthens the focusing energy and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of received signals.A numerical model is developed to study the characteristics of a multi-wave focusing field.It is shown that the element width approaching 0.8 wavelengths of shear waves can keep a balance between the radiation energy of two waves,which can achieve a desirable multi-wave focusing performance.And an experiment using different imaging methods for a linear phased array is performed.It can be concluded that due to the combination of the propagation and reflection characteristics of two waves,the multi-wave focusing and imaging method can significantly improve the imaging distinguishability of defects and expand the available sweeping range to a sector of-650 to 65°.     

Two-dimensional phased arrays for surgery: Movement of a single focus

Numerical simulation and comparative analysis of acoustic fields generated by two-dimensional phased arrays designed for ultrasonic surgery is conducted. The case of movement of a single focus by an array with the surface shaped as a part of a spherical shell with the curvature radius 120 mm is considered. The influence of the number of elements (varying from 64 to 1024), their diameter (from 2.5 to 10 mm), frequency (from 1 to 2 MHz), and the degree of sparseness of the elements at the array surface on the field characteristics is studied. The calculations are performed for arrays with elements positioned at the surface both regularly (in square, annular, or hexagonal patterns) and randomly. Criteria for the evaluation of the “quality” of intensity distributions in the field generated by an array in the case of movement of a single focus are suggested. Of all arrays studied, the best quality of distributions is obtained for an array containing 256 elements of diameter 5 mm randomly positioned at the array surface. The quality of the intensity distributions for arrays consisting of 255, 256, and 1024 elements positioned regularly (in square, annular, and hexagonal patterns) is inferior to the corresponding quality for arrays with randomly positioned elements. The irregularity in elements’ positioning considerably improves the distribution quality by suppressing the secondary intensity peaks in the field generated by the array; or, alternatively, it provides an opportunity to obtain the same distribution quality with a fraction of the number of elements in the array. The effects of the number and shape of elements, errors in phase setting, frequency modulation of signals, and non-uniform distribution of amplitudes over the array surface on the distribution quality are analyzed.     

Non-integral dimensions ultrasonic phased arrays in a borehole

The non-integral dimensions ultrasonic phased arrays and their scanning and testing methods in a borehole are studied. First, the focusing acoustic fields excited by the 1.25D, 1.5D, and 1.75D phased arrays are analyzed, and then the imaging resolution in the elevation direction and the influence of the dynamic elements are investigated. Second, the focusing and deflexion characteristics of the acoustic fields excited by the annular and segmented annular phased arrays are studied, and they are compared with those excited by the 2D surface array. The application method of the 1.25D, 1.5D, and 1.75D, annular and segmented annular phased arrays in acoustic logging are analyzed and discussed. It provides a theoretical foundation for the application of the ultrasonic phased arrays in acoustic logging.     

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。     

Two-dimensional phased arrays for surgical applications: Multiple focus generation and scanning

A numerical simulation and a comparative analysis of the acoustic fields produced by two-dimensional phased arrays intended for ultrasonic surgery are performed for the case of a multiple focus (in particular, 25 foci) generation. The calculations were conducted for arrays (with an operating frequency of 1.5 MHz) consisting of 256 elements 5 mm in diameter, which were positioned on the array surface both regularly and randomly. The array foci can be formed simultaneously, but, in this case, the intensity levels of the secondary peaks in the ultrasonic field can exceed the values that guarantee the safe application of this method in surgery. A much safer way is to synthesize many foci with the use of several configurations, each of which contains a smaller number of foci. The number of foci in individual configurations must be approximately the same. It is demonstrated that randomization of the element distribution over the array surface provides an opportunity to improve the array performance, to reduce the intensity levels of secondary peaks in the acoustic field, and to increase the array capability for multiple focus scanning off the array axis.     

Two-dimensional phased arrays for application in surgery: Scanning by several focuses

Numerical simulation and comparative analysis of acoustic fields formed by two-dimensional phased arrays designed for ultrasonic surgery are conducted for the case of scanning by several focuses (in particular, by nine focuses arranged in a line and also by an array of nine focuses forming a 3×3 square grid). Calculations are performed for arrays with elements positioned at the surface both regularly (in square, ring, or hexagonal patterns) and randomly. Criteria for evaluating the “quality” of the intensity distributions in the field formed by the array in the case of scanning by several focuses are proposed. The quality of the intensity distributions for arrays containing 255 and 256 elements 5 mm in diameter arranged in regular patterns on the array’s surface (in square, ring, or hexagonal patterns) is inferior to that for arrays containing 256 randomly positioned elements. Among the regular arrays, the highest quality of intensity distributions is obtained for ring arrays, and the lowest quality is obtained for arrays with elements arranged in square or hexagonal patterns. The irregularity in the element positioning the array’s surface improves the quality of intensity distributions by reducing the secondary intensity peaks in the field formed by the array and, primarily, in the focal plane.     

A novel method to design sparse linear arrays for ultrasonic phased array

In ultrasonic phased array testing, a sparse array can increase the resolution by enlarging the aperture without adding system complexity. Designing a sparse array involves choosing the best or a better configuration from a large number of candidate arrays. We firstly designed sparse arrays by using a genetic algorithm, but found that the arrays have poor performance and poor consistency. So, a method based on the Minimum Redundancy Linear Array was then adopted. Some elements are determined by the minimum-redundancy array firstly in order to ensure spatial resolution and then a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the remaining elements. Sparse arrays designed by this method have much better performance and consistency compared to the arrays designed only by a genetic algorithm. Both simulation and experiment confirm the effectiveness.     

Design and simulation of single-electrode liquid crystal phased arrays

Liquid crystal (LC) phased arrays and gratings have been employed in optical switching and routing [1]. These diffractive optic elements are of great interest because they can be scaled up to a large number of elements and their optical properties can be electrically addressed with a low driving voltage. LC phase gratings have been achieved either by periodic addressing of pixels or by using periodically-modified structures. The latter approach leads to less reconfigurable devices but the addressing is simpler. In this paper we focus on optical phased arrays where the phase is varied either continuously or discretely and where the periodicity is induced by electrode configuration. We first describe a possible structure based on a conductive silicon wafer. We argue that this structure can induce either continuously or discretely varying arrays while applying single voltage to the array. In the second part we simulate the behaviour of such arrays. We base the simulation on a LC synthesized at the Military University of Technology, this high-birefringence nematic LC shows in a 4-μm thick cell a linear phase shift range of more than 360° between 1.2 V and 1.8 V. We calculate the distribution of the LC molecule director and assess the performance of the array with respect to the applied voltage. Finally, the relevance of such technology for switchable phased arrays is discussed.     

The radiated fields of focussing air-coupled ultrasonic phased arrays

This paper presents an investigation into the fields radiated into air by ultrasonic phased arrays under transient excitation. In particular, it includes a theoretical prediction of spatial variations in amplitude throughout the both the near-field and far-field of such arrays. The approach has been used to predict the result of phasing to produce a focus in air, which can be seen to be particularly effective in the near-field of the array. Interesting features are observed, which are then described in terms of the performance of both individual elements and the resulting array. It is shown how some elements of design can be used to improve performance in focussing. The predictions are compared to the results of experiments in air using electrostatic arrays, where good focussing could be achieved provided the appropriate design principles were followed. The approach has been developed specifically for use in air, but the results would also hold for modelling in certain medical arrays where a focussing requirement might be needed close to the array itself.     

Reconstruction of the in-depth temperature distribution for biological objects by linear phased arrays

The feasibility of the reconstruction of two-dimensional temperature distributions in biological objects with the use of linear phased arrays is investigated theoretically with allowances made for the actual array directivity patterns and without using the data on the absorption coefficient. The method provides an opportunity to reconstruct the temperature distribution in the region under investigation with an accuracy of about 0.5 K from the data of 1.5-min-long measurements when the temperature of the region of interest is raised by 5–10 K.     

Polarization-independent two-dimensional beam steering using liquid crystal optical phased arrays

A polarization-independent nonmechanical laser beam steering scheme is proposed to realize continuous two-dimensional(2 D) scanning with high efficiency, where the core components are two polarization-dependent devices, which are called liquid crystal optical phased arrays(LC-OPAs). These two one-dimensional(1D) devices are orthogonally cascaded to work on the state of azimuthal and elevation steering, respectively. Properties of polarization independence as well as 2D beam steering are mathematically and experimentally verified with a good agreement. Based on the experimental setup, linearly polarized beams with different polarization angles are steered with high accuracy. The measured angular deviations are less than 5 μrad, which is on the same order of the accuracy of the measurement system. This polarization-independent 2 D laser beam steering scheme has potential application for nonmechanical laser communication, lidar, and other LC-based systems.     

固体中线性相控阵列的瞬态聚焦特性

针对线性相控阵列在固体介质中的声场聚焦特性及参数优化问题,该文给出了一个线性阵列的纵波瞬态聚焦声场模型.数值结果表明,当阵元被短时脉冲信号激励时,瞬态聚焦声场中不会形成栅瓣,突破了传统稳态理论模型中对阵元间距的限制;同时由于横纵波在聚焦区域内可完全分离,声束旁瓣的幅值也得到了抑制.其次,增大阵元间距能够显著提高聚焦性能...     

Optimum beam steering of optical phased arrays using mixed weighting technique

In this paper, we present a novel technique for high precision optical beam steering of optical phased arrays (OPA) using mixed weighting method. Optimal OPA parameters are determined to obtain the best beam directivity by minimizing the main lobe width and eliminating grating lobes of the far field diffraction pattern. The quantitative analysis for a fibre-type optical phased array is given. The calculation results demonstrate that the grating lobe level can be distinctly reduced from 80% to 20% of the main lobe level. Thus, the mixed weighting technique proposed in this paper can substantially improve the beam steering efficiency and the beam quality.     

Improving the resolution of three-dimensional acoustic imaging with planar phased arrays

This paper examines and compares two methods of improving the quality of three-dimensional beamforming with phased microphone arrays. The intended application is the detection of aerodynamic noise sources on wind turbines. Both methods employ Fourier based deconvolution. The first method involves a transformation of coordinates that tends to make the response to a point source, the point spread function, more shift invariant. The result is a significant improvement in sound source imaging in the transformed coordinate system. However, the inverse transformation to Cartesian coordinates introduces range dependent resolution limitations because of the irregular distribution of the focal points. The second method combines the transformation of coordinates with an alternative scanning technique. This method can be used in near field three-dimensional acoustic imaging to produce maps free of sidelobes and with constant resolution. The robustness of the proposed methods is validated both with computer simulations and experimentally.     

On the possibility of using multi-element phased arrays for shock-wave action on deep brain structures

A noninvasive ultrasound surgery method that relies on using multi-element focused phased arrays is being successfully used to destroy tumors and perform neurosurgical operations in deep structures of the human brain. However, several drawbacks that limit the possibilities of the existing systems in their clinical use have been revealed: a large size of the hemispherical array, impossibility of its mechanical movement relative to the patient’s head, limited volume of dynamic focusing around the center of curvature of the array, and side effect of overheating skull. Here we evaluate the possibility of using arrays of smaller size and aperture angles to achieve shock-wave formation at the focus for thermal and mechanical ablation (histotripsy) of brain tissue taking into account current intensity limitations at the array elements. The proposed approach has potential advantages to mitigate the existing limitations and expand the possibilities of transcranial ultrasound surgery.