Virtual ultrasound sources in high-resolution ultrasound imaging

Svetoslav Nikolov; Joergen Arendt Jensen

doi:10.1117/12.462178

11 April 2002 Virtual ultrasound sources in high-resolution ultrasound imaging

Svetoslav Nikolov, Joergen Arendt Jensen

Proceedings Volume 4687, Medical Imaging 2002: Ultrasonic Imaging and Signal Processing; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462178
Event: Medical Imaging 2002, 2002, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper investigates the concept of virtual source elements. It suggests a common framework for increasing the resolution, and penetration depth of several imaging modalities by applying synthetic aperture focusing (SAF). SAF is used either as a post focusing procedure on the beamformed data, or directly on the raw signals from the transducer elements. Both approaches increase the resolution. The paper shows that in one imaging situation, there can co-exist different virtual sources for the same scan line - one in the azimuth plane, and another in the elevation. This property is used in a two stage beamforming procedure for 3D ultrasound imaging. The position of the virtual source, and the created waveform are investigated with simulation, and with pulse-echo measurements. There is good agreement between the estimated wavefront and the theoretically fitted one. Several examples of the use of virtual source elements are considered. Using SAF on data acquired for a conventional linear array imaging improves the penetration depth for the particular imaging situation from 80 to 110 mm. The independent use of virtual source elements in the elevation plane decreases the respective size of the point spread function at 100 mm below the transducer from 7mm to 2 mm.

Citation Download Citation

Svetoslav Nikolov and Joergen Arendt Jensen "Virtual ultrasound sources in high-resolution ultrasound imaging", Proc. SPIE 4687, Medical Imaging 2002: Ultrasonic Imaging and Signal Processing, (11 April 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.462178

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available