A 3/spl times/3 matrix beam-former of partially overlapping beams using a 1.5D array for real time cross-correlation imaging (CCI)

Out of plane displacement is a major source of error in quantitative blood flow and elasticity imaging. The use of a 1.5 matrix array is investigated forming a 3/spl times/3 matrix of partially overlapping beams allowing us to estimate the 3D displacement vector from increase and decrease of cross-correlation between appropriate segments of the partially overlapping beams and subsequent firings. This contribution explores the translated aperture approach forming the elevation aperture of the beam matrix. It is shown numerically using field II for beam pattern calculation and by simulating the two way array response and the resulting wave propagation using the FE-code Pzflex that at least 12 rows are required for the anticipated task.