ИСТИНА

Objectives: This study characterizes steering capabilities of a dual-use ultrasound array transducer based on acoustic holograms synthesized from individual holograms of each array’s element. Methods: Acoustic holography measurements were performed for a rectangular diagnostic-type array (51.2 mm × 14.8 mm, 1.05 MHz; Sonic Concepts, Bothell, USA) operating in three electronic steering configurations and for each individual element. Synthetic holograms that reflect various steering array configurations were then constructed and generated fields were compared with those simulated from the measured full array holograms. Acoustic outputs and steering capabilities of the manufactured array were evaluated and compared to those of its initial computer design. Results: Simulations for an ideal transducer showed the range of electronic steering from 45 to 55 mm axially and -22 to 22 mm in the transverse direction at 50 mm from the array. The results based on holography data demonstrated similar axial range (43 to 55.6 mm), but smaller transverse range (-8.6 to 9.4 mm). Comparison of the synthetic and measured holograms showed similar spatial field structures for the designed and manufactured arrays. Acoustic power output of each element of the array varied within 8% and their -6 dB beam width at 50 mm distance was 44.4 ± 2.4 mm. Conclusions: Simulation results based on holography data showed that the steering properties of the fabricated transducer are similar to those of the ideal model. The range of electronic focus steering estimated from synthesized holograms of the transducer array enables irradiation of about 1 cm3 without mechanical translation of the transducer.