Detachable Acoustic Lens: Precise Sound Focus
- A new detachable acoustic lens developed by the Korea Research institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) promises to improve the precision of ultrasound imaging.
- The technology addresses a key limitation of current focused ultrasound systems: fixed focal lengths.
- The KRISS team's acoustic lens features an aspheric shape, which provides clearer focus and higher resolution compared to conventional spherical lenses.
KRISS Develops Detachable Acoustic Lens to Enhance Ultrasound Imaging
Updated June 13, 2025
A new detachable acoustic lens developed by the Korea Research institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) promises to improve the precision of ultrasound imaging. This innovation allows users to adjust the focal length of ultrasound transducers, similar to changing lenses on a camera, to optimize image resolution for specific tasks. The advance is expected to significantly improve accuracy in medical diagnostics and industrial safety inspections by enhancing ultrasound image quality.
(a) Comparison of the cross sections of lenses and actual photographs of the fabricated lenses. (b) Lens and transducer holder. Credit: Measurement Science and Technology (2024).
The technology addresses a key limitation of current focused ultrasound systems: fixed focal lengths. Traditional systems require multiple transducers for varying focal distances, increasing costs and making it tough to fine-tune focus. the KRISS acoustic lens overcomes this by allowing users to adjust the focal distance without replacing equipment, optimizing resolution for each object examined.
The KRISS team’s acoustic lens features an aspheric shape, which provides clearer focus and higher resolution compared to conventional spherical lenses. This design minimizes spherical aberration, a blurring effect common in traditional lenses. The lens also has a foldable design, allowing its size to be adjusted to match the attachment area.