Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation

Catalog description

The student will learn the basic concepts of ultrasound physics, frequency, velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles. Students will learn how they are applied to basic ultrasound instrumentation controls, digital signal and image processing, image quality and Doppler flow analysis. Concepts of acoustic artifacts will be introduced. The ALARA principle, biological effects, and safety will be stressed. The student will learn to perform measurements, pre and post processing enhancement, documentation and recording capabilities, picture archiving, digital imaging and communication in medicine. The student will be introduced to 3D/4D imaging and emerging technologies. The student will apply and manipulate these principles on ultrasound instruments in the scanning lab.