Megapixel Ultrasound Scanners for Deep Tissue Cellular Imaging

Modern ultrasound systems can image many centimetres into tissue in vivo, but have limited spatial resolution, speed, and volumetric field-of-view. In addition, physical contact is required, since ultrasound propagates poorly in air. This project will build upon advances in high-speed camera and laser technology to create contactless ultrasound arrays with up to three orders of magnitude more elements than the state-of-the-art ultrasound, achieving 3D in vivo imaging with unprecedented resolution and data throughput.

By using super-resolution ultrasound, this team will achieve cellular-scale resolution imaging of the whole body and brain. Proof-of-concept will be demonstrated using tissue phantoms and live rodents. This system will kick-start a new era of in vivo imaging by enabling contactless, deep tissue, non-invasive 3D imaging at cellular resolution.