New Algorithms and Manufacturing Techniques
In the project »FEMUT« new algorithms as well as fabrication techniques are developed to use broadband ultrasound transducers as CMUT (micromachined capacitive ultrasound transducer) with a small number of elements and only one electronic channel for imaging for the first time.
The solution idea is to use frequency coding instead of time coding. Until now, conventional ultrasound transducers have been based on time coding of the sound fields with an upstream phase plate. The FEMUT approach aims to enable locally defined frequency coding in the sound field for the first time using an additive manufacturing process.
Different frequencies make it possible to control an entire sound field with different frequencies rather than individual elements. For this purpose, the corresponding sound field has to be designed by means of new algorithms. This task lies with the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT.
Fraunhofer ITWM Manufactures Prototypes
At Fraunhofer ITWM, on the other hand, the task is to manufacture – initially – prototypes. Using 3D printing, a designed can be produced, tested, and optimized on conductive substrates within hours.
The specific technological goal of the project is the development of a CMUT-based ultrasound transducer for frequency-based imaging for use in medical diagnostics. The extremely simplified technology should then allow use in minimally invasive endoscopes, for example.