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The Mechanical Index (MI) in medical ultrasound physics quantifies the potential for mechanical bioeffects, such as cavitation, in tissues. It's calculated as the peak negative pressure divided by the square root of the ultrasound frequency. A higher MI indicates a greater likelihood of these effects, crucial for patient safety. Sonographers closely monitor MI to ensure…

The Thermal Index (TI) is a crucial safety parameter in medical ultrasound, quantifying the potential for tissue heating due to the absorption of acoustic energy. Representing the ratio of acoustic power to the power required to raise tissue temperature by 1°C, TI helps sonographers and clinicians monitor and minimize thermal bioeffects, especially during prolonged or…

Axial resolution in physics, particularly relevant to medical ultrasound, defines the ability to distinguish two structures positioned along the ultrasound beam's axis as separate entities. This crucial parameter is directly influenced by the spatial pulse length; shorter pulses, achieved with higher frequencies and fewer cycles, lead to superior axial resolution. Optimized axial resolution is essential…

In physics, particularly within medical ultrasound, lateral resolution refers to the ability of an imaging system to distinguish two closely spaced objects that are perpendicular to the ultrasound beam. This crucial parameter is influenced by beam width and focus, directly impacting the clarity and detail of structures displayed on the image. Achieving high lateral resolution…

Contrast resolution in medical ultrasound physics refers to the ability of an imaging system to differentiate between tissues with subtle differences in echogenicity, or how they reflect sound waves. This is crucial for distinguishing between normal and pathological structures that may have similar acoustic properties. High contrast resolution enhances the visibility of subtle lesions, such…

In physics, particularly relevant to medical ultrasound, beam divergence describes the spreading out of an ultrasound beam as it travels deeper into tissue. This natural phenomenon causes the beam to widen beyond its focal zone, leading to a decrease in acoustic intensity and reduced lateral resolution in the far field. Understanding beam divergence is crucial…

In ultrasound physics, the Near zone, or Fresnel zone, refers to the region closest to the transducer where the ultrasound beam is highly focused and parallel. This critical zone is characterized by its high intensity and optimal lateral resolution, making it ideal for visualizing superficial structures with superior clarity. Understanding the Near zone is fundamental…

In ultrasound physics, the Far zone, or Fraunhofer zone, is the region beyond the natural focus of an ultrasound beam. Within this divergent field, the beam widens, leading to decreased intensity and reduced lateral resolution. Understanding the Far zone is crucial for medical imaging, as it affects image quality in deeper tissues. Sonographers adjust parameters…

In ultrasound physics, the duty factor represents the fraction of time the ultrasound transducer is actively transmitting sound waves. It's calculated as the pulse duration divided by the pulse repetition period. A higher duty factor means the transducer is transmitting for a longer proportion of the total time, impacting parameters like imaging depth and thermal…