Ch. 10 Axial and Lateral Resolution Flashcards
Resolution
is the ability to create accurate images.
(image accuracy is the essence of ultrasound)
Axial Resolution
describes one measure of the detail found in an image. It measures the ability of a system to display two structures that are very close together when the structures are parallel to the sound beam’s main axis.
Axial Resolution units
measured in mm or any unit of distance
Axial Resolution determined by
both the sound source and medium
Axial Resolution is related to
Spatial Pulse Length
(both sound & medium)
Pulse Duration
Shorter Pulses improve
axial resolution
In a particular medium, short duration pulses also have a
a short length
Axial Resolution synonyms (4)
Longitudinal
Axial
Range
Radial
Depth resolution
(LARRD)
Axial Resolution adjustable
No, since the spatial pulse length for a transducer is fixed.
Axial Resolution typical values
ranges from 0.1 to 1.0 mm
(lower numerical values indicate shorter pulses and improved image accuracy)
What is the relationship btw the numerical value of the axial resolution and the image quality?
directly related
lower numerical values of axial resolution indicate a shorter pulse
Shorter pulses create
more accurate images
Axial Resolution formula
Axial (mm) = spatial pulse length (mm) / 2
or
Axial (mm) = wavelength (mm) x # cycles in pulse / frequency (MHz)
What allows some transducers to have better axial resolution than others?
determined by the pulse length, with shorter pulses yielding improved axial resolution
A short pulse is created in two ways:
1) less ringing
2) higher frequency
Less Ringing
A pulse is short if there are few cycles in the pulse
One way to reduce ringing is to
dampen the crystal after it has been excited by an electrical signal from the system.
Higher Frequencies
a pulse is short if each cycle in the pulse has a short wavelength
Shorter wavelengths are characteristics of
higher frequency sound
Pulses made of higher frequency cycles have
superior axial resolution
Better axial resolution is associated with (5)
1) Shorter spatial pulse length
2) Shorter pulse duration
3) Higher frequencies (shorter wavelength)
4) Fewer cycles per pulse (less ringing)
5) Lower numerical values
Lateral Resolution
is the ability to distinctly identify two structures that are very close together when they are side by side, or perpendicular, to the sound beam’s main axis.
Lateral Resolution units
mm, cm, or any unit of distance
(Smaller # are preferable since they indicate more accurate images)