Essentials of Ultrasound imaging

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, 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, readers can appreciate alternative imaging possibilities. 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. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall operation of an ultrasound imaging system as well as the intervening physical mechanisms involved in the imaging process Understand the basics of wave propagation, refraction, reverberation, reflection, scattering, absorption compensation and ultrasound-induced heating effects Learn about how different types of transducers work and how linear arrays are constructed and the influence of array geometry on beamforming Be able to follow signals through transducers and the functional blocks of an imaging system Appreciate the complexities of diffraction, beam formation, focusing and steering by arrays Recognize the principles of image formation and how the image quality of images is measured Be able to compare two major types of imaging systems a commercial system with delay and sum hardware beamforming and a research ultrasound system with a unique software-based architecture Appreciate the potentials and physical constraints of ultrasound imaging and measurement