Optimization of transmit/receive array topology in 3D acoustic imaging

Abstract

Acoustic imaging transmit and receive arrays pairs are simulated in the bistatic transmission case using Field II, an industry standard ultrasound toolbox. Analysis of imaging fundamentals, as well as simple transmit and receive array beam patterns reveals desirable beam pattern properties that can be achieved with very dense arrays. As high element numbers in acoustic arrays are cumbersome with respect to manufacture and signal processing, techniques for reduction of array element numbers are reviewed. Array optimization is shown to be both highly desirable and attainable through straightforward iterative simulated annealing methods. A highly flexible array cost measure allows optimized array pairs to be generated based on a user-defined set of desired array properties.