Advancing Early Cancer Detection: A Novel Dual-Frequency Ultrasound Technology for Enhanced Imaging.

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with early detection being critical for improving patient outcomes. Among various imaging modalities, ultrasound is widely used due to its non-invasive nature, ease of clinical implementation, and routine accessibility. However, conventional ultrasound systems face challenges in achieving high resolution and sufficient imaging depth, limiting their effectiveness in early cancer detection. This study aims to enhance the resolution and imaging depth of next-generation ultrasound transducers by designing and optimizing a Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT) featuring a rectangular membrane with a tailored electrode configuration for dual-frequency operation. We conducted preliminary investigations using finite element simulations to evaluate the electromechanical performance of the PMUT. Additionally, acoustic pressure analysis was performed in immersion hydrophone testing to validate dual-frequency operation and assess its potential for improved imaging quality. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed PMUT design in achieving dual-frequency operation, which can enhance image resolution and penetration depth in ultrasound imaging systems. This innovative approach has the potential to advance ultrasound-based early cancer detection, addressing the current limitations in resolution and imaging accuracy.