Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a biometric sensing device that combines sensing with an actuator for two way communication between a finger on a surface and the device. The sensor can also function as an actuator. A finger can be authenticated based on an image of the finger generated by the sensor and also based on a response to energy delivered to the finger by the actuator. Two way communication can provide more robust authentication than fingerprint sensing alone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to using acoustic waves to detect neural activity in a brain and/or localize the neural activity in the brain. Sensors positioned outside of a skull encasing the brain can detect acoustic waves associated with the neural activity in the brain. From output signals of the sensors, a particular type of neural activity (e.g., a seizure) can be detected. A location of the neural activity can be determined based on outputs of the sensors. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy can be applied to the location of the neural activity in response to detecting the neural activity.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and method for performing a medical procedure on a patient are provided. A system includes a tissue interface device and a console. The tissue interface device is configured to image tissue and/or deliver energy to tissue. The tissue interface device includes a transmission assembly. The console is configured to transmit energy to the tissue interface device.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to driving a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) with a pulse train of unipolar pulses. The CMUT may be electrically excited with a pulse train of unipolar pulses such that the CMUT operates in a continuous wave mode. In some embodiments, the CMUT may have a contoured electrode.

Abstract: Improved acoustic neurostimulation is provided using two or more acoustic transducers generating an acoustic interference pattern. In a first operating mode the transducers are driven at the same frequency. In a second operating mode the transducers are driven at different frequencies. The acoustic interference pattern is varied electronically by control of the driving frequencies. In addition, a method for neurostimulation excites two confocal ultrasound transducers using an excitation waveform signal that has a time-varying frequency within range containing a resonance frequency of the two transducers, thereby increasing resolution and allowing electronic scanning.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a biometric sensing device that combines sensing with an actuator for two way communication between a finger on a surface and the device. The sensor can also function as an actuator. A finger can be authenticated based on an image of the finger generated by the sensor and also based on a response to energy delivered to the finger by the actuator. Two way communication can provide more robust authentication than fingerprint sensing alone.

Abstract: Ultrasonic excitation to a sample is provided with an apparatus including: a cylindrical ultrasonic transducer, and a plate disposed on an end of the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to provide a vertical vibration in operation. A Lamb wave vibration is generated in the plate by the vertical vibration of the ultrasonic transducer. The Lamb wave vibration converges at a central region of the plate, where a sample is disposed. Alternatively, a cylindrical array of ultrasonic transducers can be used instead of a single cylindrical transducer. Such an array can be driven as a phased array for beam shaping and/or multi-focusing.

Abstract: Methods to detect contaminants in a solution and applications thereof are described. Generally, solutions are printed onto a substrate and then imaged via Raman spectroscopy, which can be utilized to detect signals derived from contaminants.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed related to combined ultrasonic stimulation and photometry. A device can include an ultrasonic transducer and an optical delivery element integrated with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer can deliver ultrasound energy at a tip of the optical delivery element. In certain embodiments, the optical delivery element can be an optical fiber. A detector can generate an indication of a cell response associated with the delivered ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Features for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are described. The application of HIFU for ablating tissue may be monitored in real time by imaging bubbles generated during HIFU. A single transducer array may be used by fast switching between imaging and HIFU. For imaging, the array or portions thereof may be used in receive only mode to locate bubbles generated by the HIFU. The application of HIFU, such as location and/or intensity, may be adjusted based on information from the imaging of the bubbles. Physicians and/or others may use these systems and methods to monitor HIFU procedures in real-time for optimal ablation of target tissue with minimal damage to healthy tissue.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Abstract: Improved localization of the capsule in acoustic capsule endoscopy is provided by using analysis of the frames of the acoustic images to deduce the relative motion of the capsule from frame to frame. This idea can be supplemented with any combination of: further localization methods; propulsion of the capsule via acoustic radiation reaction; bidirectional communication and system level feedback control; energy harvesting; photoacoustic (or x-ray acoustic) imaging; and adding therapy and/or sensor capabilities to the capsule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to using acoustic waves to detect neural activity in a brain and/or localize the neural activity in the brain. Sensors positioned outside of a skull encasing the brain can detect acoustic waves associated with the neural activity in the brain. From output signals of the sensors, a particular type of neural activity (e.g., a seizure) can be detected. A location of the neural activity can be determined based on outputs of the sensors. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy can be applied to the location of the neural activity in response to detecting the neural activity.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to driving a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) with a pulse train of unipolar pulses. The CMUT may be electrically excited with a pulse train of unipolar pulses such that the CMUT operates in a continuous wave mode. In some embodiments, the CMUT may have a contoured electrode.

Abstract: We provide a novel technique for coupling focused ultrasound into the brain. The ultrasound beam can be used for therapy or neuro-modulation. We excite a selected Lamb wave mode in the skull that mode converts into longitudinal waves in the brain. The benefits of our approach is in improved efficiency, reduction in heating of the skull, and the ability to address regions in the brain that are close or far from the skull.

Abstract: Propagation of leaky Lamb waves in pipe walls is used to provide a clamp-on acoustic flow meter for single-phase fluid flow in pipes. The received acoustic signals can be analyzed analytically, or by matching to numerical models, or with machine learning. In a preferred embodiment, variation of penetration depth of the leaky Lamb waves into the fluid flow with frequency provides an approach for measuring flow rate vs. radius with a clamp-on flow meter.

Abstract: An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.