In physics, acoustic impedance mismatch describes the difference in acoustic impedance between two media at their boundary. When sound waves encounter this mismatch, a portion of the wave is reflected, and the remaining portion is transmitted. This principle is fundamental to understanding how ultrasound works in medical imaging.
In ultrasound, significant acoustic impedance mismatches, such as between soft tissue and bone or air, lead to strong reflections, which create clear images of organ boundaries and structures. Conversely, minimal mismatch results in poor reflection, making it difficult to visualize certain interfaces. Optimizing probe frequency and beam angles helps manage impedance mismatches for clearer diagnostic images.
