Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and definitions related to ultrasound physics and instrumentation.

What does Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) represent in ultrasound imaging?

The comparison of meaningful information (signal) in an image compared to the amount of contamination (noise).

How can SNR be improved in ultrasound imaging?

Through image persistence/frame averaging techniques and spatial compounding.

What are three main types of noise that affect ultrasound imaging?

Electronic noise, Clutter, and Haze.

What is the master synchronizer in an ultrasound system?

The brain of the ultrasound system that coordinates all components and controls echo timing.

What role does the transmitter play in ultrasound?

It produces electrical waveforms to drive transducers and adjusts voltage to control output power.

What is the function of the receiver in an ultrasound system?

To prepare the information contained in electrical signals for display by processing the return echoes.

What does Time Gain Compensation (TGC) do?

Compensates for attenuation due to depth to create a uniformly bright image.

Why is dynamic range important in ultrasound?

It indicates the extent to which a signal can vary and still maintain accuracy, affecting the quality of the displayed image.

What is the relationship between compression and dynamic range?

Compression reduces the dynamic range without errors, keeping the largest signal as the largest and the smallest signal as the smallest.

What is demodulation in the context of ultrasound?

A two-part process that converts electrical signals within the receiver into a form more suitable for display.