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Title: Development of a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Hydrophone System

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3131435· OSTI ID:21293557
 [1];  [2]
  1. Sonic Tech, Inc., Ambler, PA 19002 (United States)
  2. Sonora Medical Systems, Longmont, CO 80503 (United States)

The growing clinical use of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has driven a need for reliable, reproducible measurements of HIFU acoustic fields. We have previously presented data on a reflective scatterer approach, incorporating several novel features for improved bandwidth, reliability, and reproducibility [Proc. 2005 IEEE Ultrasonics Symposium, 1739-1742]. We now report on several design improvements which have increase the signal to noise ratio of the system, and potentially reduced the cost of implementation. For the scattering element, we now use an artificial sapphire material to provide a more uniform radiating surface. The receiver is a segmented, truncated spherical structure with a 10 cm radius; the scattering element is positioned at the center of the sphere. The receiver is made from 25 micron thick, biaxially stretched PVDF, with a Pt-Au electrode on the front surface. In the new design, a specialized backing material provides the stiffness required to maintain structural stability, while at the same time providing both electrical shielding and ultrasonic absorption. Compared with the previous version, the new receiver design has improved the noise performance by 8-12 dB; the new scattering sphere has reduced the scattering loss by another 14 dB, producing an effective sensitivity of -298 dB re 1 microVolt/Pa. The design trade-off still involves receiver sensitivity with effective spot size, and signal distortion from the scatter structure. However, the reduced cost and improved repeatability of the new scatter approach makes the overall design more robust for routine waveform measurements of HIFU systems.

OSTI ID:
21293557
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1113, Issue 1; Conference: 8. international symposium on therapeutic ultrasound, Minneapolis, MN (United States), 10-13 Sep 2008; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3131435; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English