Main description:

Essentials of Ultrasound Imaging offers a fast track introduction to the science, physics and technology of ultrasound imaging systems. Uniquely, principles are revealed by examples from software simulation programs, thus allowing the reader to engage with the concepts having minimal mathematical background. The material is organized around a functional block diagram which is, in turn, related to physical processes and implementations of the functional concepts on commercial and research imaging systems. Examples from a Verasonics Vantage Research Ultrasound System provide unparalleled insight into each step of ultrasound image creation including signal processing, transducer operation, different types of beamforming, and image formation.

The last chapter examines the potential and capabilities of ultrasound imaging and measurement for future applications. With a thorough grounding of the physics and methods of ultrasound imaging, this book is suitable for students learning about ultrasound and researchers involved, or starting out in, ultrasound research development who might not have the background to understand the latest developments.

Contents:

1. Introduction to Imaging and Imaging Systems
Types of medical imaging, introduction to imaging systems, waves, spectra, transmitters, receivers, scanning, comparison of ultrasound medical imaging modalities, advantages, limitations, introduction to ultrasound imaging systems and physical processes (block diagram level), ultrasound research systems, course overview, A, B and C imaging modes and lines, 2D and 3D imaging.

2. Rays & Waves
Types of propagating elastic waves, acoustical/electrical analogies, wavefronts, reflection, refraction, scattering, finite layers, and resonance.

3. Signals and Transducers
Signals in time, spectra, Fourier transforms, filters, drive waveforms, convolution, piezoelectricity, introduction to transducer equivalent circuit models, matching layers, ABCD matching circuits, transducer design goals (resolution, sensitivity, bandwidth), and array construction.

4. Beams & Focusing (Continuous Wave)
Diffraction, Fourier transforms for field simulation, apertures, focusing, depth-of- field, F-number, apodization, near and far field, focal zone, spatial impulse response, and beam plots.

5. CW Array Beamforming and Heating
Rectangular array elements, element sampling, array directivity, array focusing and steering, three dimensional fields from arrays, absorption effects in time and frequency domains, effects of absorption on pulse shape and delay, viscoelasticity, properties of materials, ultrasound-induced heating, and tissues and plane wave compounding.

6. Pulsed Phased Array Beamforming
Wavefronts from arrays, focusing and steering with arrays, sampling effects, grating lobes, dynamic receive focusing, point spread functions, and types of arrays.

7. Ultrasound Imaging
Block diagrams for physical processes and imaging system, imaging processing (back end), scanning methods, frame rate; image simulation and measurement. Introduction to scanning for images, time gain compensation, and plane wave compounding frame rate.

8. Ultrasound Imaging Systems and Applications
Video, speckle, types of imaging systems and research systems, advantages of research systems, image simulation and measurement, introduction to advanced topics (harmonic imaging, shear wave elastography and high frame rate imaging) and selected research applications in ultrasound; advantages of ultrasound over other modalities.