Devices for ultrasound field parameter measurements

Practical aspects of ultrasound field measurements and instrumentation needed to adequately characterize acoustic output of ultrasound imaging systems are discussed. Calibrated piezoelectric hydrophone probes with active elements made of piezoelectric polymer, polivinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and well suited for both temporal and spatial characterization of the field are described together with computerized data acquisition systems. Fundamental limitations of such measurement systems are also discussed and possible improvement in measurement techniques by using fiber optic sensors is pointed out. The basic characteristics of other field measurement devices such as radiation force balance, calorimeters, and thermocouples are also presented.<
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