Medical ultrasound imager based on time delay spectrometry

A reflection mode proof-of-concept medical ultrasound imager based on time delay spectrometry has been developed and tested. The system uses a broad band swept-frequency signal operating up to 10 MHz. Signal processing using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) permits extraction of range information. The imager has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than pulse-echo systems which allows high resolution at greater depths. The time delay spectrometry (TDS) spread spectrum operates at lower peak intensities than pulse-echo and permits more control of the spectral content and amplitude of the signal. At present, the system is non-real time which degrades in vivo imaging because of averaging over several cardiac cycles and tissue movement.