Characterization of a prototype transmit 2 MHz receive 21 MHz array for superharmonic imaging

摘要

The role of angiogenesis in cancer has spurred the development of new methods for imaging vasculature. One such method is acoustic angiography, a dual-frequency superharmonic contrast imaging technique. Custom transducers are necessary for the ultra-wide bandwidth required for this technique, but the current single-element designs present several limitations for translation to clinical use, such as a fixed focus and limited frame rates. In this work, we present initial tests of a dual-frequency array for superharmonic contrast-enhanced microvascular imaging. The array was characterized by in vitro measurements, including imaging of microcellulose tubes in water and phantom material.