Ultrasonic imaging device in which electroacoustic transducers are disposed on a convex probe

摘要

A curved acoustic probe provided with a plurality of electroacoustic transducers delivers a beam of acoustic energy which is directed by electronic scanning. Electronic scanning is carried out by utilizing only those electroacoustic transducers which are capable of insonating the target. It is thus possible to employ a large number of electroacoustic transducers in respect of each azimuth and therefore to obtain high definition. The invention applies to imaging techniques involving the use of acoustic waves such as ultrasonic waves and is primarily concerned with the field of ultrasonic medical imaging. Chief among potential applications are nondestructive testing, production of images within liquids such as, for example, underwater or ocean-bottom images.