Nonlinear Ultrasound Image Modeling: Development of a Complete End-To- End Model for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Medical Ultrasound

Finite amplitude sound propagation undergoes nonlinear distortion due to continuous path interaction with the propagation medium. This distortion tends to defocus the beam causing significant lateral and contrast resolution degradation. Fundamental understanding of this interaction requires development of computational models that accurately predict the nonlinear interaction - development of media-borne harmonics - as well as produce an ultrasound image - introduction of transducer effects, interface transitions, and innovative image processing to extract harmonics. Most computational models of ultrasound propagation assume axial symmetry for computational expediency. Two notable exceptions are the K-Z-K and NLP models. A new end- to-end model, NUPROP, is introduced that also incorporates non-axially symmetric geometries and simplified transducer responses to accurately predict ultrasound RF signals for image reconstruction. Nonlinearities are modeled using either the Fubini solution or Burgers' Equation coupled with angular spectrum propagation or Lommel formulation, appropriately masked by the transducer frequency response. Comparative analyses are performed on NUPROP results with high correlation with the literature. Parameter sensitivity analyses are performed to determine harmonic signal characteristics as a function of propagation distance. A-line and B-scan images are produced.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH is the author of 'Nonlinear Ultrasound Image Modeling: Development of a Complete End-To- End Model for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Medical Ultrasound' with ISBN 9781423534525 and ISBN 1423534522.