The objective of this project is to improve the lateral resolution of ultrasonic echo scanners for use in mammography. Presently, the resolution is limited to a few mm due to diffraction-induced wavefront distortions. To improve the resolution of very large transducers it should be possible to compensate for the distortions by using adaptive weight control techniques. With these techniques a ten-fold improvement in the present resolution of commercial systems should be able to be achieved. This project will first investigate the 1 D transmission problem followed by 2D transmission and 2D reflection studies. Ultrasound is a relatively low-cost imaging modality, however, improvements in the lateral resolution are needed before this modality can be used more widely in the medical field.
