Grant: Idea to Innovation
University of Windsor
$125,000.00
A MEMS ultrasonic probe for medical diagnostic imaging applications
FY 2014-15
Summary
The objective of the proposed research is to develop a high performance Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based ultrasonic probe for 2-D and 3-D anatomical and functional medical diagnostic imaging using recently patented advances made in Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) technology at the University of Windsor (UW). This new technology is based on a patented, ""Cyclotene? based wafer bonding and sealed cavity formation"", technique developed by the applicant at the University of Windsor. This new technique enables one to fabricate highly compact, low cost CMUT arrays with better transduction efficiency and has been licensed for automotive applications to MIS Electronics, a Toronto based company. The aim of the proposed project is to exploit the capabilities of this new technique to realize a CMUT based ultrasonic probe that can be used with standard medical diagnostic imaging equipment to produce brighter and higher resolution images as compared to conventional piezoelectric based ultrasonic scanners. The target probe will also have the potential to be configured or fabricated to offer continuous wave (CW) high pressure focused ultrasound (HIFU) for use in therapeutic applications, such as cancerous cell ablation. The global research trend is to switch from piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers to CMUTs for medical imaging and therapeutic applications for improved diagnostic image quality, faster healing, and less invasive treatment at a lower cost and also to offer ultrasound based new healthcare technologies. The goal of this project is to align this newly developed Canadian CMUT technology with the global trend to exploit the underlying commercial and better healthcare benefit. Successful commercialization of this proprietary leading edge technology will benefit Canada in terms of new manufacturing facilities, creating revenues, new job opportunities and exports. Canada's own healthcare system would also benefit from the outcome of this project as these better performing and lower cost systems would enable more accurate diagnosis and therapy.
Program
Idea to Innovation
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
461415-2014
Name nom
Chowdhury, Sazzadur
Department département
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Organization id
37
Institution établissement
University of Windsor
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2014
Competition year année de concours
2014
Award amount
125000
Program id
I2IPJ
Program name en
Idea to Innovation
Program name fr
De l'idée à l'innovation
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
518
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Medical equipment and apparatus
Area of application fr
Appareils et instruments médicaux
Research subject code
2506
Research subject group en
Electrical and electronic engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie électrique et électronique
Research subject en
Electron devices
Research subject fr
Dispositifs électroniques
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
A MEMS ultrasonic probe for medical diagnostic imaging applications
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
The objective of the proposed research is to develop a high performance Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based ultrasonic probe for 2-D and 3-D anatomical and functional medical diagnostic imaging using recently patented advances made in Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) technology at the University of Windsor (UW). This new technology is based on a patented, ""Cyclotene? based wafer bonding and sealed cavity formation"", technique developed by the applicant at the University of Windsor. This new technique enables one to fabricate highly compact, low cost CMUT arrays with better transduction efficiency and has been licensed for automotive applications to MIS Electronics, a Toronto based company. The aim of the proposed project is to exploit the capabilities of this new technique to realize a CMUT based ultrasonic probe that can be used with standard medical diagnostic imaging equipment to produce brighter and higher resolution images as compared to conventional piezoelectric based ultrasonic scanners. The target probe will also have the potential to be configured or fabricated to offer continuous wave (CW) high pressure focused ultrasound (HIFU) for use in therapeutic applications, such as cancerous cell ablation. The global research trend is to switch from piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers to CMUTs for medical imaging and therapeutic applications for improved diagnostic image quality, faster healing, and less invasive treatment at a lower cost and also to offer ultrasound based new healthcare technologies. The goal of this project is to align this newly developed Canadian CMUT technology with the global trend to exploit the underlying commercial and better healthcare benefit. Successful commercialization of this proprietary leading edge technology will benefit Canada in terms of new manufacturing facilities, creating revenues, new job opportunities and exports. Canada's own healthcare system would also benefit from the outcome of this project as these better performing and lower cost systems would enable more accurate diagnosis and therapy.
