To achieve the largest possible field of view in the near field and at depth, which array transducer is preferable?

• A. Linear array
• B. Curved array
• C. Phased array
• D. Sector

Answer: (B)

A curved (convex) array provides the widest field of view because its elements lie along a curved surface, causing the beams to naturally fan out over a broad angular range. That geometry creates a large sector-shaped image that stays wide both near the transducer and as depth increases. With a linear array, the aperture is flat, so the beams stay relatively narrow and the field of view is more limited. While phased arrays can steer beams electronically to cover more area, they are still bounded by the physical aperture and practical beamforming limits. Sector imaging, often built on a curved aperture, likewise yields a wide view, but the curved array is the geometry that inherently maximizes coverage in both near and deep regions.