Prototyping sparse arrays of ultrasonic transducers for 3D image generation

Large two-dimensional (2D) arrays offer very promising prospects as analysis tool due to their capability to obtain information of volumetric spaces. However, this kind of development has major drawbacks. The main challenge comes from the large number of elements required to achieve an acceptable image quality. Element distributions based on Fermat Spiral is an effective trade-off between the dynamic range and the number of elements. To obtain an effective insonification of the region of interest, the transducers must be very small and, consequently, they provide very low SNR. If the area of the element is increased, the SNR is also increased, although it reduces the directivity pattern and in fact the region that the aperture is able to analyze.