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A Stable Phantom Material for Optical and Acoustic Imaging
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Plane wave source with minimal harmonic distortion for investigating nonlinear acoustic properties
Christopher W Lloyd1, Kirk D Wallace, Mark R Holland
1Department of Physics, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|July 7, 2007
Summary
This study introduces a novel ultrasound source using a stainless-steel delay line for accurate nonlinear material property measurements. This method provides a planar ultrasonic field, avoiding harmonic distortion for reliable in vitro studies of liquids and soft tissues.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Investigating nonlinear material properties of liquids and soft tissues requires precise ultrasonic wave analysis.
- Conventional methods using water paths face challenges in achieving planar ultrasonic fields and avoiding harmonic distortion.
- Accurate plane wave propagation is crucial for finite amplitude wave distortion methods in the low megahertz range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a practical ultrasound source for studying nonlinear material properties.
- To overcome limitations of conventional methods regarding planar fields and harmonic distortion.
- To enable reliable in vitro investigations of liquids and soft tissues.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultrasound source based on the field emanating from a stainless-steel delay line.
- Employed simulations and direct experimental measurements to validate the approach.
- Focused on the low megahertz frequency range for progressive distortion of finite amplitude ultrasonic waves.
Main Results:
- The stainless-steel delay line produced an ultrasonic field with relatively planar wave fronts.
- The field exhibited minimal loss (≤3 dB across a 3-mm-diam receiver).
- The generated ultrasonic field was free from significant harmonic distortion, unlike conventional water paths.
Conclusions:
- The stainless-steel delay line approach is a practical and effective ultrasound source for nonlinear material property studies.
- This method successfully addresses the challenges of planar field generation and harmonic distortion.
- The validated source enables more accurate in vitro investigations of liquids and soft tissues.
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