[Influence of depth compensation on the visualization properties of ultrasound image methods (author's transl)]

Due to the enormous absorption of ultrasound in body tissue an amplification of the echo signals, depending to the pulse transit time, is absolutely necessary for ultrasonic measurements. The influence of the adjustment of the depth compensation facility on the imaging characteristics of ultrasonic methods is examined with phantom measurements in water and in mineral oil, which provide a suitable phantom substance for body tissue. The importance of the reflector geometry for the adjustment of the depth compensation facility appears from measurements at a frequency of 2 MHz with a plane and a spherical reflector. The results demonstrate the necessity to adapt the adjustment of the facility to both, the utilized transducer and the respective diagnostic question in order to avoid errors in evaluation. The effects of depth compensation and reflector geometry on the ultrasound image are demonstrated by using a special arrangement of phantomes.