Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Matrix Imaging

TL;DR

This paper extends ultrasound matrix imaging to three dimensions by using a 2D transducer array, improving wave focusing and aberration correction in complex media, demonstrated through phantom and ex-vivo tissue experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a 3D ultrasound matrix imaging technique using a 2D probe, enhancing wave control and focusing in heterogeneous media compared to previous 1D approaches.

Findings

Successful experimental proof on tissue-mimicking phantom

Enhanced imaging potential for transcranial applications

Improved transmission matrix estimation in 3D geometry

Abstract

Matrix imaging paves the way towards a next revolution in wave physics. Based on the response matrix recorded between a set of sensors, it enables an optimized compensation of aberration phenomena and multiple scattering events that usually drastically hinder the focusing process in heterogeneous media. Although it gave rise to spectacular results in optical microscopy or seismic imaging, the success of matrix imaging has been so far relatively limited with ultrasonic waves because wave control is generally only performed with a linear array of transducers. In this paper, we extend ultrasound matrix imaging to a 3D geometry. Switching from a 1D to a 2D probe enables a much sharper estimation of the transmission matrix that links each transducer and each medium voxel. Here, we first present an experimental proof of concept on a tissue-mimicking phantom through ex-vivo tissues and then, show the potential of 3D matrix imaging for transcranial applications.