F. Levent Degertekin

Bio: F. Levent Degertekin is an academic researcher from Georgia Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers & Ultrasonic sensor. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 148 publications receiving 1879 citations. Previous affiliations of F. Levent Degertekin include Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience.

Single-chip CMUT-on-CMOS front-end system for real-time volumetric IVUS and ICE imaging

Abstract: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and intracardiac echography (ICE) catheters with real-time volumetric ultrasound imaging capability can provide unique benefits to many interventional procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary and structural heart diseases. Integration of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) arrays with front-end electronics in single-chip configuration allows for implementation of such catheter probes with reduced interconnect complexity, miniaturization, and high mechanical flexibility. We implemented a single-chip forward-looking (FL) ultrasound imaging system by fabricating a 1.4-mm-diameter dual-ring CMUT array using CMUT-on-CMOS technology on a front-end IC implemented in 0.35-μm CMOS process. The dual-ring array has 56 transmit elements and 48 receive elements on two separate concentric annular rings. The IC incorporates a 25-V pulser for each transmitter and a low-noise capacitive transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for each receiver, along with digital control and smart power management. The final shape of the silicon chip is a 1.5-mm-diameter donut with a 430-μm center hole for a guide wire. The overall front-end system requires only 13 external connections and provides 4 parallel RF outputs while consuming an average power of 20 mW. We measured RF A-scans from the integrated single- chip array which show full functionality at 20.1 MHz with 43% fractional bandwidth. We also tested and demonstrated the image quality of the system on a wire phantom and an ex vivo chicken heart sample. The measured axial and lateral point resolutions are 92 μm and 251 μm, respectively. We successfully acquired volumetric imaging data from the ex vivo chicken heart at 60 frames per second without any signal averaging. These demonstrative results indicate that single-chip CMUT-on-CMOS systems have the potential to produce realtime volumetric images with image quality and speed suitable for catheter-based clinical applications.

Bulk Acoustic Resonator Based on Piezoelectric ZnO Belts

Abstract: In this paper, a bulk acoustic resonator based on ZnO belts is demonstrated. This device shows a great deal of promise in applications as an electronic filter and as a mass sensor. The fabricated device was characterized using vector network analysis, and both the first and third harmonics of resonance were observed at approximately 247 and 754 MHz, respectively. A one-dimensional Krimholt-Leedom-Matthaei model was utilized to predict the resonant frequency of the device and confirm the observed behavior.

Integrated optical interferometric detection method for micromachined capacitive acoustic transducers

Abstract: An integrated optical interferometric detection method for micromachined capacitive acoustic transducers is reported. The back electrode of the capacitive transducer on a transparent substrate is shaped as an optical diffraction grating and the displacement of the transducer membrane is determined with interferometric resolution by measuring the intensity of the reflected diffraction orders. By applying voltage to deflect the membrane electrostatically, the detection sensitivity is kept at the optimum level and transmission signals are generated. Initial experiments on devices microfabricated on quartz substrates show a minimum detectable displacement of 2×10−4 A/√Hz around 250 kHz and low frequency detection capability for microphone applications. Ultrasonic pulse-echo experiments in air at 750 kHz are also demonstrated using both a HeNe laser and a 850 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser as the light source.

Physical Methods for Intracellular Delivery Practical Aspects from Laboratory Use to Industrial-Scale Processing

Abstract: Effective intracellular delivery is a significant impediment to research and therapeutic applications at all processing scales. Physical delivery methods have long demonstrated the ability to deliver cargo molecules directly to the cytoplasm or nucleus, and the mechanisms underlying the most common approaches (microinjection, electroporation, and sonoporation) have been extensively investigated. In this review, we discuss established approaches, as well as emerging techniques (magnetofection, optoinjection, and combined modalities). In addition to operating principles and implementation strategies, we address applicability and limitations of various in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo platforms. Importantly, we perform critical assessments regarding (1) treatment efficacy with diverse cell types and delivered cargo molecules, (2) suitability to different processing scales (from single cell to large populations), (3) suitability for automation/integration with existing workflows, and (4) multiplexing potential and flexibility/adaptability to enable rapid changeover between treatments of varied cell types. Existing techniques typically fall short in one or more of these criteria; however, introduction of micro-/nanotechnology concepts, as well as synergistic coupling of complementary method(s), can improve performance and applicability of a particular approach, overcoming barriers to practical implementation. For this reason, we emphasize these strategies in examining recent advances in development of delivery systems.

Micromachined two-dimensional array piezoelectrically actuated transducers

Abstract: This letter presents micromachined two-dimensional array flextensional transducers that can be used to generate sound in air or water. Individual array elements consist of a thin piezoelectric ring and a thin, fully supported, circular membrane. We report on an optimum design for an individual array element based on finite element modeling. We manufacture the transducer in two-dimensional arrays using planar silicon micromachining and demonstrate ultrasound transmission in air at 2.85 MHz. Such an array could be combined with on-board driving and an addressing circuitry for different applications.

The status, challenges, and future of additive manufacturing in engineering

Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM) is poised to bring about a revolution in the way products are designed, manufactured, and distributed to end users. This technology has gained significant academic as well as industry interest due to its ability to create complex geometries with customizable material properties. AM has also inspired the development of the maker movement by democratizing design and manufacturing. Due to the rapid proliferation of a wide variety of technologies associated with AM, there is a lack of a comprehensive set of design principles, manufacturing guidelines, and standardization of best practices. These challenges are compounded by the fact that advancements in multiple technologies (for example materials processing, topology optimization) generate a "positive feedback loop" effect in advancing AM. In order to advance research interest and investment in AM technologies, some fundamental questions and trends about the dependencies existing in these avenues need highlighting. The goal of our review paper is to organize this body of knowledge surrounding AM, and present current barriers, findings, and future trends significantly to the researchers. We also discuss fundamental attributes of AM processes, evolution of the AM industry, and the affordances enabled by the emergence of AM in a variety of areas such as geometry processing, material design, and education. We conclude our paper by pointing out future directions such as the "print-it-all" paradigm, that have the potential to re-imagine current research and spawn completely new avenues for exploration. The fundamental attributes and challenges/barriers of Additive Manufacturing (AM).The evolution of research on AM with a focus on engineering capabilities.The affordances enabled by AM such as geometry, material and tools design.The developments in industry, intellectual property, and education-related aspects.The important future trends of AM technologies.

Piezoelectric field effect transistor and nanoforce sensor based on a single ZnO nanowire.

Abstract: Utilizing the coupled piezoelectric and semiconducting dual properties of ZnO, we demonstrate a piezoelectric field effect transistor (PE-FET) that is composed of a ZnO nanowire (NW) (or nanobelt) bridging across two Ohmic contacts, in which the source to drain current is controlled by the bending of the NW. A possible mechanism for the PE-FET is suggested to be associated with the carrier trapping effect and the creation of a charge depletion zone under elastic deformatioin. This PE-FET has been applied as a force/pressure sensor for measuring forces in the nanonewton range and even smaller with the use of smaller NWs. An almost linear relationship between the bending force and the conductance was found at small bending regions, demonstrating the principle of nanowire-based nanoforce and nanopressure sensors.