Basic Ultrasound Physics

2 – What is a wave?

A wave is an oscillating disturbance of the particles in a medium and the disturbance travels through the medium

A sound wave is an example of such a vibrational or oscillating disturbance propagating (continuing itself) through a medium – e.g. air or water
?A wave is transmission of energy from one location to another

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Different kinds of waves can propagate in a medium like water: ocean waves on the surface of the sea, sun light, seismic waves from earthquakes, and sound waves

3 – What is a medium?

A medium is the substance or material that carries the wave

The medium carries the wave from one point in the medium to another point

A sound wave is transmitted by the vibration of a medium

The medium can be air, water, wood, or any other material

The only place in which sound cannot travel is a vacuum

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When a stone is dropped into a pond, the water molecules are disturbed where the stone hits the surface. The disturbed molecules start oscillating around their original position – they vibrate. The vibration spreads to the neighbouring molecules in the water medium. The vibration is propagated away from its origin.

2 – Basic ultrasound physics

Basic understanding of ultrasound physics is crucial for achieving proficiency in clinical ultrasound

This module explains the basic concepts of waves, sound waves, ultrasound, the ultrasound system, system and user controlled ultrasound imaging, ultrasound imaging artefacts, and patient safety

The module presents the fundamental concepts of ultrasound theory in an easy, comprehensible and intuitive way using minimum mathematical terminology

For the specially interested participant, the basic mathematics are explained in text boxes and figures to the right. However, that is not mandatory reading

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A vibrating tuning fork produces sound waves

1 – Introduction

Clinical ultrasound has evolved into a pervasive and universal tool facilitating increased success, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of all kinds of clinical diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Ultrasound ought to be applied wherever the diagnostic and interventional clinical procedures can be improved for the benefit of the patients.

Securing proficiency of the application of clinical ultrasound requires educational resources, training, and certification developed by and anchored in recognised institutions and societies.

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One of the two discoverers of the piezoelectric effect Pierre Curie with his famous wife Marie in their laboratory in Paris.

3 – Course objectives

The course provides an essential understanding of ultrasound physics so you can succeed with the practical application of clinical ultrasound while avoiding the pitfalls

The learning objective is to gain knowledge of the basic principles of:

? wave physics and acoustic physics
? ultrasound and medical ultrasound
? the ultrasound system
? the system controlled ultrasound imaging
? the user controlled ultrasound imaging
? the ultrasound imaging artefacts
? patient safety

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Ultrasound transducer emitting ultrasound pulses into tissue