In recent decades, sonography (ultrasound) has evolved from a purely diagnostic tool into a powerful platform for interdisciplinary research. Within this landscape, the Aixplorer Supersonic Imagine device, made available to researchers by Nooravid, represents a key turning point. Beyond standard clinical capabilities, this system offers a unique research package, SonicResearch™, which opens a gateway to raw ultrasound data (RF) and provides unprecedented control over the imaging process. These capabilities make the Aixplorer a vital instrument for developing novel methods in signal processing, elastography, and biomechanics.
Ultrafast Imaging: Real-Time Tracking of Tissue Dynamics
One of the most notable features of the Aixplorer is its Ultrafast Imaging technology. Unlike traditional focused-beam sonography, this technique utilizes plane waves, allowing the device to acquire data at an extraordinarily high frame rate, up to 5,000 frames per second.
?Why is High Frame Rate Important
Studying ShearWave Elastography: This high speed is essential for observing and analyzing the propagation of shear waves in tissues, which forms the basis of quantitative elastography methods.
Rapid Biological Dynamics: Researchers can record and examine extremely fast processes in the body, such as subtle cardiac movements or mechanical tissue responses to an external pulse, with unprecedented Temporal Resolution.
This mode allows the researcher to precisely adjust parameters such as Transmit Frequency (Tx Freq), Number of Half-cycles (Nb Half-cycles), and Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF). Furthermore, using Trigger IN/OUT ports, Ultrafast Imaging can be synchronized with peripheral devices (such as mechanical stimulators or physiological recording systems).
Direct Access to Raw Data: Deepening Analysis
The Aixplorer research package provides the most critical feature for researchers: direct access to Low-Level Data. The researcher is no longer limited to analyzing final images (such as B-mode); instead, they can analyze the signals before any internal device processing occurs.
Types of Recordable Data:
Raw Data (RF): Signals received directly from each piezoelectric element of the probe, sampled at a high rate (4 times the transmit frequency).
Beamformed Data (IQ): Processed and demodulated data used to construct the final images.
Raw Synthetic: Raw signals received under specific conditions where only a single element is active per firing (important for synthetic aperture methods).
This data is saved as binary files (float32 or int16) along with an XML metadata file (.cml). The XML file contains complete details of all imaging parameters, ensuring the possibility of precise experiment replication and data analysis in environments such as MATLAB and Python.
3. Focused B-mode Imaging: High Spatial Resolution
Alongside the incredible speed of the Ultrafast mode, the Aixplorer continues to offer traditional Focused B-mode imaging at the highest quality. This mode is ideal for scenarios where high Spatial Resolution and the examination of fine tissue details are paramount. In this method, ultrasound pulses are precisely focused at a single Focal Point within the tissue to achieve the highest possible Beam Quality. Researchers can adjust parameters such as Steer Angle and Number of Transmits (Nb Transmit) to optimize resolution and regional coverage.
4. Flexibility in Processing and Algorithm Development
The ultimate goal of raw data access is to grant complete freedom to the researcher. Since Nooravid provides this research platform, specialists and students can:
Custom Signal Processing: Apply algorithms for noise reduction, resolution enhancement, and advanced signal processing techniques directly to the raw RF data.
Image Reconstruction Development: Test and evaluate new Beamforming algorithms to improve image quality under specific conditions.
Interdisciplinary Projects: Utilize this data for developing hybrid technologies such as Ultrasound-Photoacoustics or integrating with mechanical models.
Conclusion
The Aixplorer Supersonic Imagine device, located at Nooravid’s research center, is more than just an ultrasound machine; it is a mobile laboratory for biomedical engineering and biomechanics. By offering Ultrafast Imaging capabilities, access to raw RF signals, and full control over acquisition parameters, this system allows researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge in medical imaging. Nooravid, by providing this infrastructure, supports advanced research projects that will lead to critical innovations in diagnosis and treatment.
For more information about accessing the SonicResearch™ package and collaborating on advanced ultrasound projects, please contact the Nooravid technical team.