Bias-Switchable Row-Column Array Imaging using Fast Orthogonal Row-Column Electronic Scanning (FORCES) Compared with Conventional Row-Column Array Imaging

TL;DR

This paper compares bias-switchable TOBE arrays with conventional RCAs for 3D-ultrasound imaging, demonstrating superior image quality and resolution using the FORCES scanning method in phantom and animal models.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental comparison showing that TOBE arrays with FORCES scanning outperform conventional RCAs in image quality and resolution.

Findings

TOBE arrays yield higher quality B-scan and volumetric images.

FORCES scanning improves resolution and gCNR over traditional methods.

Volumetric imaging is successfully demonstrated in phantom and animal models.

Abstract

Row-Column Arrays (RCAs) offer an attractive alternative to fully wired 2D-arrays for 3D-ultrasound, due to their greatly simplified wiring. However, conventional RCAs face challenges related to their long elements. These include an inability to image beyond the shadow of the aperture and an inability to focus in both transmit and receive for desired scan planes. To address these limitations, we recently developed bias-switchable RCAs, also known as Top Orthogonal to Bottom Electrode (TOBE) arrays. These arrays provide novel opportunities to read out from every element of the array and achieve high-quality images. While TOBE arrays and their associated imaging schemes have shown promise, they have not yet been directly compared experimentally to conventional RCA imaging techniques. This study aims to provide such a comparison, demonstrating superior B-scan and volumetric images from two electrostrictive relaxor TOBE arrays, using a method called Fast Orthogonal Row-Column Electronic scanning (FORCES), compared to conventional RCA imaging schemes, including Tilted Plane Wave (TPW) compounding and Virtual Line Source (VLS) imaging. The study quantifies resolution and Generalized Contrast to Noise Ratio (gCNR) in phantoms, and also demonstrates volumetric acquisitions in phantom and animal models.