Very fast scanning probe for ophthalmic echography using an ultrasound motor

High frequency transducers, up to 35-50 MHz, are widely used in ophthalmic echography to image fine eye structures. At such a high frequency, mechanical scanning probes are the only practical choice. A good probe positioning-image evaluation feedback requires an image refresh-rate of 15-30 frames per second. We present the probe design and construction, the experimental characterization and a first high frequency echographic image obtained with a prototype probe based on an ultrasound motor. The prototype probe reaches a scanning rate of 15 frames per second, with very silent operation and little weight.