Ultrasound

Intro to US imaging

Uses ultrasonic frequencies between about 1.5 and 15 MHz

100 times higher than highest audible frequency
Imaging modes:
o B-mode
o Colour Doppler imaging
Measurement modes:
o M-mode
o PW Doppler
Speed of propagation c0 = (K/0) where K = bulk modulus

CW longitudinal waves
Compression waves with high and low pressure regions
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Travel in soft tissue with a speed of 1540100ms-1

Particles oscillate in direction of wave propagation
Highest particle velocities are roughly 1ms-1

PW longitudinal waves

Identical to CW waves, but pulsed

Short 1-2 cycles used in B-mode and M-mode
Longer 4-8 cycle tonebursts used in colour and PW Doppler
Frequency 1.5-15MHz
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Wavelength 1.0-0.1mm

CW transverse waves

Shear waves
Dont cause pressure changes
Particles oscillate at 90 to the direction of propagation
Only used in shear wave elastography

Plane circular transducer

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CW sinusoidal voltage is applied to a plane transducer

These wavefronts interfere and produce a complex diffraction

pattern
Angle of divergence in far field is = arcsin(0.61/a)

Focused circular transducer

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Beam