Sub-wavelength ultrasonic therapy using a spherical cavity transducer with open ends

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) focusing precision is limited by conventional focusing ultrasound methods. The aim of this study is to develop an ultrasonic focusing modality by using a spherical cavity transducer with open ends. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations were performed to study the acoustic field and the induced tissue lesion using this transducer. The results demonstrate that the focusing zone is smaller while the focusing gain of sound pressure is higher (about 3 times) than the conventional concave focusing method. The results demonstrate great clinical potentials of enhancing the precision of HIFU therapy to the sub-wavelength level.