DMS 105W - Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I

1. Understand ultrasonic propagation and how they relate to ultrasonic imaging.
   1. Know the definition of sound and understand the relation of sound waves to ultrasound imaging.
   2. Know the definition and units of a period along with the typical values of ultrasound period in clinical diagnostic imaging.
   3. Know the definitions, units, and formula for frequency and the typical value of ultrasound frequency in clinical imaging.
   4. Identify the three parameters that relate to the size of a sound wave.
   5. Know the definition and units of amplitude.
   6. Describe how power relates to the strength of the sound wave and know the units for power.
   7. Differentiate how power is related to amplitude.
   8. Know the definition and units of intensity and the typical values of ultrasound intensity in clinical imaging.
   9. Identify the formula and units for wavelength.
   10. Differentiate how propagation speed relates to the medium through which sound travels.
   11. State the average speed of sound in biologic "soft tissue".
   12. Define a pulse of ultrasound and the 5 descriptors of pulsed ultrasound.
   13. Know the definition and units of pulse duration along with typical ranges in clinical imaging.
   14. Describe pulse repetition period and how it relates to imaging depth.
   15. Know the definition and units of pulse repetition frequency and the range in clinical imaging.
   16. Identify the formula for Duty factor and the range for clinical imaging.
   17. Correlate spatial pulse length to wavelength, frequency, cycles, and pulse.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of ultrasound intensities and how they relate to attenuation of traveling sound.
   1. Understand the definition of intensity and know the units it is expressed in.
   2. Describe the four ways to measure intensity.
   3. Identify the formula for Beam Uniformity Coefficient and how it relates to intensity.
   4. Demonstrate how to convert from one intensity to another.
   5. Explain what the unit Decibel is used to describe and know the difference between negative and positive decibels.
   6. Know the definition of attenuation and how it relates to the sound wave.
   7. In the clinical setting, determine what frequency transducer to use in relation to the amount of attenuation.
   8. Identify the three processes that attenuation results from.
   9. Explain Rayleigh scattering.
   10. Calculate the Attenuation Coefficient for a given set of parameters.
   11. State the formula for Half-value Layer thickness.
   12. Know the definition and units of impedance.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of ultrasonic beam transmission.
   1. Know the relationship between intensity and transmission in clinical imaging.
   2. State the definition of Intensity Reflection Coefficient and Intensity Transmission Coefficient.
   3. Explain normal incidence and its relation to reflection and transmission.
   4. Determine how refraction is associated with transmission.
   5. Define Snell's law.
   6. Discuss the Range equation and how an ultrasound imaging system determines the depth of a reflecting surface.
   7. Understand what a transducer is, and what a transducer does in the process of clinical imaging.
   8. Name the components of a transducer.
   9. Identify the formula for the operating frequency of a transducer.
   10. Explain how bandwidth related to the frequency of a transducer.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of sound beams and their effect on resolution.
   1. Diagram the anatomy of a sound beam.
   2. Understand Huygen’s principle.
   3. Explain beam characteristics in relation to crystal attributes.
   4. Describe the four methods of focusing.
   5. List factors that affect resolution.
   6. Compare longitudinal and lateral resolution.