Enhanced Lateral Resolution in Acoustic Imaging: From High- to Super-Resolution

Acoustic imaging, especially ultrasound, underpins a wide range of applications from non-destructive evaluation to medical and materials analysis, yet its performance is ultimately constrained by lateral resolution. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in overcoming diffraction-limited resolution, encompassing traditional focusing techniques, transducer optimization, physical metamaterial lenses, and methods based on algorithmic optimization and deep learning technologies. It comprehensively covers approaches for enhancing acoustic lateral resolution, compares the differences and respective advantages and disadvantages of various methods, and proposes clear directions and recommendations for future research. This work provides robust guidance for subsequent research trends and development opportunities in higher-resolution acoustic imaging.