title: Extensions of nonlinear B/A parameter imaging methods for echo mode.
abstract: This paper investigates nonlinear B/A parameter imaging in ultrasound echo mode. First, the B/A estimation methods which can be extended to echo mode are identified. The finite amplitude approaches are found to be excellent candidates to assess the nonlinear parameter because of their experimental simplicity, supported by a strong mathematical background. Second, three nonlinear coefficient measurement methods, thus far proposed for applications in homogeneous media, are extended to heterogeneous media. In particular, the simulations show that the extended comparative method (ECM) offers the best results when the probe diffraction effects are taken into consideration. The first experimental images obtained by applying the ECM for two different phantoms are also presented, showing the feasibility of B/A imaging.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, CREATIS-LRMN, CNRS UMR5220, Inserm U630, INSA-Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France. varray@creatis.univ-lyon1.fr
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Varray
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Basset
authors.forename: Piero
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tortoli
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cachard
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media