title: SNR comparisons of beamforming strategies.
abstract: This paper defines the echo signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) for pulse-echo systems that adapts to the effects of shift-varying impulse responses, spatiotemporal coding, and various beamformers. Measurement techniques using point targets or random scattering media can be interrelated for a broad range of experimental conditions through the eSNR. The eSNR definitions are also illustrated by comparing a spatial matched filter (SMF) beamformer to conventional dynamic receive focusing methods to evaluate performance based on resolution and sensitivity. Closed-form expressions are presented that predict eSNR gains from SMF approaches relative to other beamformers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Kang-Sik
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Insana
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed / Q000379:methods*