Precision mechanically scanned HF ultrasound arrays

An actuated synthetic-aperture array (ASA) system is described that is capable of overcoming the technical difficulties in manufacturing an ultrasonic phased array in the 30 to 70 MHz frequency range. The system is capable of generating images using a linear array of transducers which are of equal quality compared to a 64-element phased array while. The array was rapidly and precisely positioned with a piezoelectric actuator. The image was formed utilizing a synthetic aperture (SA) approach rather than electronic beamforming. The SA image was further refined by application of a deconvolution algorithm.