Ultrasound waves can propagate through an intact human skull and alter nerve activity through targeted delivery. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has shown great promise for the modulation of brain function and reversal of neurological and psychiatric dysfunction. In this work, acoustic holographic lenses are designed using time-reversal and phase conjugation techniques to compensate for skull aberrations as well as pattern the ultrasonic field to target precise locations in the brain. We verify our work using numerical simulations and submerged experiments using a 3D printed skull phantom. Multiphysics simulations were also implemented to study the effects of elastic wave propagation, i.e. shear effects and attenuation of the skull.

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Ahmed Sallam, Eric Hoffmann, and Shima Shahab, "Noninvasive deep stimulation of the brain via low-intensity holographic-focused ultrasound," Proc. SPIE PC12483, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XVII, PC1248305 (Presented at SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation: March 13, 2023; Published: 28 April 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2659180.6323740139112.