A numerical simulation study of three linear array arrangements for vibro-acoustography

In this work, we study the beamforming of three linear array transducers for vibro-acoustography systems: separated, interlaced, and randomly interlaced. Each transducer is composed of two linear arrays. The goal of this research is to model and design a system with a linear array probe for in vivo applications. The system point-spread function is given in terms of the dynamic ultrasound radiation force produced by the interference of the ultrasound beams generated by each array. Simulations using a lateral aperture of 48 mm and array parameters similar to conventional ultrasound systems present the resolution cells smaller than 1.4/spl times/2.8/spl times/6.1 mm in azimuth, elevation, and range. The interlaced transducers exhibit transverse resolution acceptable for medical imaging applications.