Revolutionizing Ultrasound Imaging with High-Frequency, High-Speed Technology
Industry: This research falls within the medical imaging industry, specifically focusing on high-frequency ultrasound imaging. Such technology is crucial for detailed imaging of small structures, including biological tissues and small animals, which is vital in medical diagnostics and biological research.
Challenge: The main challenge addressed by the paper is improving the dynamic range and frame rate of high-frequency ultrasound imaging systems. Traditional systems often face limitations due to noise and insufficient resolution, which hinder the quality and effectiveness of the images produced.
Extraordinary Aspects of the Paper: This paper presents a stand-alone front-end system capable of high-frequency, high-frame-rate coded excitation imaging. The integration of a custom arbitrary waveform generator and amplifier, along with a motor controller and analog receiver, achieves significant improvements in dynamic range and noise reduction. Imaging at frame rates as high as 68 fps with a resolution of 50 µm axially and 120 µm laterally is noteworthy. Additionally, the system’s ability to image biological tissues like zebrafish and mouse hearts demonstrates its practical applications.
Equipment & Sensors Used:
GaGe Digitizer: Part number CS14200, 14-bit ADC, 200 MHz sampling rate, GaGe Applied Technologies Inc.
Transducers: 40-MHz lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single-element transducers, lightweight (<0.28 g), manufacturer details not specified.
Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG): FPGA-based, Spartan-3E, Xilinx, 150 MHz clock.
Arbitrary Waveform Amplifier (AWA): Custom-built, using N-type RF MOSFETs (MRF134 and MRF148, Motorola) with a bandwidth of 1 to 70 MHz.
Low-noise Preamplifier: AD8331, Analog Devices, bandwidth 95 MHz, noise figure <7.7 dB.
Commercial Amplifier: LN1000, Amplifier Research, details not specified.
Spectrum Analyzer: E4401B, Agilent Technologies Inc.
Function Generator: AFG3252, Tektronix.Oscilloscope: LC534, LeCroy Corp., used for signal recording and testing.