A Flexible Row-Column Array for Deep Tissue Microvascular Imaging

Super resolution ultrasound imaging (SR-US) is an evolving technology with promising applications in microvascular imaging deep into tissue. With high resolution, it offers enhanced visualization of fine anatomical structures and microvasculature. Existing SR-US has mostly realized with 2D matrix ultrasound array. Yet, known for its challenges including the long data acquisition, computationally expensive postprocessing times and complicated fabrication process due to a high channel-count ultrasound system. Recently, row-column (RC) arrays presented possible solutions to overcome the limitations with relatively easier structure, efficient data acquisition methods and large field-of-view (FOV). However, existing handheld RC arrays are rigid and bulky, which is strongly affected by skull interference and is difficult for continuous monitoring of brain micro-vessel systems. Thus, in this work, we demonstrated a 32 + 32 element flexible row-column array for imaging with a center frequency of 7.8 MHz and a total array aperture size of 8 by x8 mm². With a -6 dB bandwidth of 59 % and a bending curvature of 8 mm, the array showed its potential for wearable SR-US applications.