Medical Integrated Photonic Ultrasound Transducer

Project Information

Med-IPUT

Grant agreement ID: 101092947

DOI

10.3030/101092947

EC signature date 2 December 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 2 541 413,00

EU contribution

€ 2 541 413,00

Coordinated by

NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Med-IPUT (Medical Integrated Photonic Ultrasound Transducer)

Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Med-IPUT project aims to transforming ultrasound imaging with integrated photonics. It stands at the forefront of medical innovation, pioneering the integration of photonics and ultrasound technology to drastically improve the ultrasound imaging quality. The project's primary objective is to develop highly sensitive Integrated Photonic Ultrasound Transducers (IPUTs) for advanced diagnostics.

With a sensitivity increase of up to 100 times compared to existing transducers, Med-IPUT aims to enhance imaging resolution, penetration depth, and patient comfort. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the project seeks to address critical challenges in medical diagnostics, striving for better patient outcomes and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Med-IPUT's collaborative approach brings together leading industry experts, researchers, and academics, driving interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering innovation. Through its efforts, Med-IPUT aims to create a brighter, healthier future by advancing medical imaging technology and improving access to safe, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic solutions.

For more information, visit www.med-iput.eu.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the first period of the Med-IPUT project, significant progress was made across multiple work packages.

The majority of the work over the last 15 months occured in Work Package 2. Critical efforts focused on defining primary use cases and user requirements, resulting in the development of a comprehensive requirements document (deliverable 2.1). This document serves as a foundational reference, articulating the essential prerequisites for generic ultrasonic imaging and photoacoustics, alongside robust validation methodologies. Additionally, progress was achieved in designing the system architecture the system for the two IPUT demonstrators, as outlined in deliverable 2.2. This document not only demonstrates the fundamental principles underpinning the IPUT sensor but also delineates a roadmap for the realization of the demonstrators.

Work Package 3 (WP3) centered on enhancing SOI cavity technology, achieving notable advancements in membrane fabrication and the development of essential building blocks for MZI-based IPUTs and readout devices.

Key accomplishments in WP4 included the development of SiN-based devices, with a focus on achieving membranes with requisite optical and acoustical properties. Furthermore, the layout and tapeout of Med-IPUT run 1 marked substantial progress in Task 4.2 and partially Task 4.3.

WP5, building upon the groundwork laid in WP2, involved the definition of split aperture probe requirements for the two use cases. Preceding the Med-IPUT project, preliminary IPUT chips were developed, showcasing promising initial results, further bolstered by housing design and optical and acoustical experiments

Collectively, these accomplishments underscore the Med-IPUT project's commitment to advancing medical imaging technologies and laying the groundwork for transformative breakthroughs in the field.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Med-IPUT is at the forefront of advancing medical ultrasound imaging through the development of Integrated Photonic Ultrasound Transducers (IPUTs). These lead-free devices offer significantly enhanced sensitivity, potentially exceeding current transducers by up to two orders of magnitude. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient comfort, marking a notable advancement in medical imaging.

By prioritizing improvements in image resolution, penetration depth, and acoustic pressure management, Med-IPUT aims to redefine the landscape of medical imaging. Additionally, the project's commitment to reducing reliance on ionizing radiation imaging modalities and minimizing environmental impact highlights its dedication to comprehensive healthcare innovation.

While definitive outcomes are still in progress, significant strides have been made in defining use cases, developing IPUT demonstrators, and advancing SOI cavity technology. Looking ahead, key areas of focus include further research, demonstration, market access, financial support, and regulatory and standardization frameworks to ensure the successful implementation and impact of Med-IPUT's advancements.

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