Compact meta-differentiator for achieving isotropically high-contrast ultrasonic imaging

Ultrasonic imaging is crucial in the fields of biomedical engineering for its deep penetration capabilities and non-ionizing nature. However, traditional techniques heavily rely on impedance differences within objects, resulting in poor contrast when imaging acoustically transparent targets. Here, w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2024-04, Vol.15 (1), p.2934-2934, Article 2934
Main Authors: Jia, Yurou, Zhang, Suying, Zhang, Xuan, Long, Houyou, Xu, Caibin, Bai, Yechao, Cheng, Ying, Wu, Dajian, Deng, Mingxi, Qiu, Cheng-Wei, Liu, Xiaojun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/301/1019/1015
639/766/25/3927
Acoustic impedance
Amplitudes
Biological models (mathematics)
Biomedical engineering
Contrast agents
Contrast media
Humanities and Social Sciences
Medical imaging
multidisciplinary
Nondestructive testing
Phase objects
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Theoretical analysis
Ultrasonic imaging
Ultrasonic testing
Underwater
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Summary:Ultrasonic imaging is crucial in the fields of biomedical engineering for its deep penetration capabilities and non-ionizing nature. However, traditional techniques heavily rely on impedance differences within objects, resulting in poor contrast when imaging acoustically transparent targets. Here, we propose a compact spatial differentiator for underwater isotropic edge-enhanced imaging, which enhances the imaging contrast without the need for contrast agents or external physical fields. This design incorporates an amplitude meta-grating for linear transmission along the radial direction, combined with a phase meta-grating that utilizes focus and spiral phases with a first-order topological charge. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, we substantiate the effectiveness of our technique in distinguishing amplitude objects with isotropic edge enhancements. Importantly, this method also enables the accurate detection of both phase objects and artificial biological models. This breakthrough creates new opportunities for applications in medical diagnosis and nondestructive testing. High-contrast ultrasonic imaging holds significant importance in biomedical and engineering applications. Here, the authors present a compact spatial differentiator tailored for underwater isotropic edge-enhanced imaging, facilitating the realization of high-contrast ultrasonic imaging.
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-47303-7