| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R34271/01 |
| Title: |
Development of High Frequency Intra Oral Ultrasonic Array Probe for Reasearch and Diagnosis. |
| Principal Investigator: |
Hatfield, Dr J |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Manchester, The |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 August 2001 |
Ends: |
31 July 2004 |
Value (£): |
460,685
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Instrumentation Eng. & Dev. |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The aim of the proposed research project is to develop an ultrasound probe specifically for use inside the mouth. The main research and diagnostic area of application is the imaging of oral cancer and pre-malignant (pre-cancer) conditions. This requires a high frequency, wide bandwidth, ultrasound probe operating with a centre frequency in excess of 20MHz. It would be both costly and difficult to meet this specification in terms of frequency and geometry using piezo-ceramic composites. Poled co-polymers of polyvinyldeneflouride (PVdF) offer a more attractive alternative. They also offer very high internal acoustic and dielectric losses, making them intrinsically wide-band with very low inter-element interference or cross-talk, both acoustically and electrically. Using thin films the frequency of the sound produced may extend into the tens of MHz. In order to achieve the bandwidth required, the transducer array will require backing with acoustic absorbing material with an acoustic impedance approximately the same as PVdF. Transmit and receive electronics will be integrated as part of the probe. A new ultrasound phantom will also need to be developed since existing phantoms are designed to test probes operating in the range of 3 to 12 MHz. The research programme utilises experience and expertise from various backgrounds. Microelectronics, microfabrication, instrumentation and ultrasonic expertise are available within the EE&E Department and DIAS at UMIST. Clinical skills are provided by Department of DentomaxillofaciatImaging at the Royal London Hospital. Medical engineering facilities are available in the Clinical Physics Department at the Royal London Hospital.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.man.ac.uk |