Recent results using a 256 × 256 2-D array transducer for 3-D rectilinear imaging

In previous work, we presented initial experimental results using a 256 times 256 2-D array with row-column methods. The main benefits of this design are a reduced number of interconnects, a T/R switching scheme with a simple diode circuit, and an ability to perform transmit beamforming in azimuth and receive beamforming in elevation for volumetric imaging of targets near the transducer. In this paper, we present 3-D images of axial wires embedded in a clear gelatin phantom, of an 8 mm diameter cylindrical anechoic cyst phantom and of a 10 mm diameter spherical anechoic cyst phantom acquired from a new 256 times 256 2-D array transducer. DAX processing was used to reduce clutter due to 1-way beamforming.