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In physics, the Nyquist limit is a fundamental concept in digital signal processing, particularly crucial in medical ultrasound. It states that to accurately reconstruct a signal, the sampling rate must be at least twice the highest frequency component of the original signal. Exceeding this limit leads to aliasing, where high-frequency information is misrepresented as lower…

In physics, Snell's Law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction of a wave passing through the boundary between two different isotropic media, such as sound waves traveling through various body tissues. This fundamental principle dictates how ultrasound beams bend when encountering interfaces between structures with different acoustic impedances, impacting image quality…

Time-gain compensation (TGC), a critical concept in ultrasound physics, is an adjustable control that allows sonographers to compensate for the attenuation of sound waves as they travel deeper into tissues. This function selectively amplifies echoes returning from greater depths, ensuring a uniform brightness across the entire ultrasound image. Without proper TGC adjustment, deeper structures would…

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…