Reducing uncertainties for spatial averaging at high frequencies

Accurate characterization of ultrasound fields generated by diagnostic and therapeutic transducers is critical for patient safety. At high frequencies, spatial variations in the pressure over the surface of the measurement device will produce a different averaged value from that at the intended location. Using a small hydrophone as an idealised point device, this paper seeks to ascertain the spatial-averaging errors for a finite-area reference device along the beam axis in order to find the optimal measurement location.