journal article·2026-07Open access

3D Large‐Scale Subwavelength‐Resolution Sound Sheet Tomography Based on an Active and Programmable Circular Meta‐Array

Qiu‐De Zhang, Zi‐Bin Lin, Zhuo Chen, Zhao‐Hui Liu, Jin‐Lian He, Jun‐Jie Song, Long‐Sheng Zeng, Liang Zhou, Ming‐Yue Ding, Yu‐Gui Peng, Ming Yuchi, Xue‐Feng Zhu

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 39

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tomography enables volumetric visualization of internal structures with high fidelity, which has transformed diverse fields of science and engineering. Ultrasound tomography, in particular, provides radiation‐free, real‐time, and low‐cost imaging. Conventional linear and planar array designs typically impose inherent limits on aperture, coverage, and resolution, hindering accurate imaging of deep structures. Here, we present an active and programmable circular meta‐array of 2048 channels integrated with cylindrical acoustic lenses, generating a wide‐angle point‐source radiation in plane and a thin flat sound‐sheet beam out of plane. This configuration delivers omnidirectional homogeneous coverage and dynamic focusing, allowing comprehensive full‐matrix echo acquisition. Based on the circular meta‐array, subwavelength resolution ultrasonic images (∼0.8λ) are obtained with delay multiply and sum reconstruction. Extending to the volumetric tomography, the acoustic system reconstructs complex 3D objects and resolves human soft tissues and musculoskeletal structures. Our work provides a versatile platform for ultrasound tomography and opens an avenue for various advanced applications in biomedical imaging and therapeutic monitoring.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Acoustic Wave Phenomena Research · Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies · Ultrasound Imaging and Elastography

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Physics and Innovation Institute Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China

School of Mechanical Science and Engineering Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China

Department of Biomedical Engineering Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China

China University of Geosciences Wuhan China

Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Provincial‐Ministerial Collaborative Major Science and Technology Infrastructure for High‐end Biomedical Imaging Wuhan China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities · Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province

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