2-D array transducers for medical ultrasound at Duke University: 1996

l½-D and 2-D arrays offer a myriad of new imaging modalities and benefits when compared to the linear array. However, with added benefits come many problems and challenges. The increase in transducer channels needed in a l½-D and 2-D array can be reduced using a sparse periodic or sparse random array. The complexity of the fabrication is overcome using a multi-layer flexible connector designed and fabricated using microelectronic techniques. The low SNR of 1½-D and 2-D arrays can be increased with the application of multi-layer ceramic elements to optimize the SNR given a specific transmit and receive configuration. We are also looking at PZT/polymer composites for SNR improvement as well as better acoustic matching to tissue. In addition, opto-electronic transmitters allow for the reductions in size and increase in flexibility of the transducer cable because of the use of fiber optics