Unit 556 Therapeutic Applications
of Ultrasound

Technology platform

In terms of computational and experimental resources, Unit 556 has one of the most well-equipped technology platforms in the world, notably in the physics of ultrasound. A precision mechanics workshop and an electronics laboratory are maintained, and an animal laboratory from Edouard Herriot Hospital is in the process of being moved to the Léon Bérard Centre near the main site.

 Computational Resources

Simulation and modeling studies are conducted with resources at the main site and in collaboration with the computing center at the Université Claude Bernard – Lyon1 “La Doua” location.

Resources at the main site comprise 3 workstations (2 Digital and 1 Sun), linked in an Ethernet and connected to the RENATER network, and an Intranet of more than 20 PCs and Macintosh computers.

 Experimental Resources

Unit 556 has a significant collection of resources at its disposal.

One of the most prized possessions is an interferometer bench (Optical Heterodyne Probe from Thales® Laser, Paris) that was recently acquired, allowing researchers to study detectors and ultrasound generators and to image the displacements of transducers. Equipment such as bi-dimensional ultrasonic scanners and various lasers (two YAG lasers, an argon laser, and a color laser) are also availabe for use. For experimentation in the physics of ultrasound, two computerized measurement benches from Micro-Contrôle® are outfitted with various types of specialized equipment. The benches enable ultrasound detectors, hydrophones, or ultrasound wave generators to be moved in all three spatial dimensions (x, y, z) with a resolution of 0.01 mm.

Specialized equipment used in conjunction with the Micro-Contrôle® benches includes:

• Power amplifiers
• Shock wave generators
• Function generators
• Digital oscilloscopes
• Rapid acquisition boards
• Wattmeters

More details

 Mechanics Workshop

Our precision mechanics shop with the following equipment has recently been certified:

• Lathe
• Milling machine
• Drilling and routing machine
• Drill press
• Circular saw
• Ribbon saw
• Arc welding station
• Oxycetylene welding station
• Portable power tools, such as drills and saws

 Electronics Laboratory

An electronics laboratory for the construction of simple electronic circuits is equipped with the following test and measurement instruments:

• Generators
• Oscilloscopes
• Spectrum analyser
• Power supplies

 Animal Laboratory

Resources for small animal experiments, such as an experimentation room and a biology room, are in the process of being moved from Edouard Herriot Hospital to Léon Bérard Centre.

 Links

Edouard Herriot Hospital
Université Claude Bernard
Thales® Laser / picture of an optical heterodyne probe
Thales®
Micro-Contrôle S.A.