Fundamentals of Ultrasonic Propagation

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is primarily to provide an insight into the fundamentals of ultrasonic wave propagation and, thereby, give an introduction to some of the physics which underpins the basic measurement methods employed to determine the acoustic output of medical ultrasonic equipment. Many of the characteristic parameters and much of the basic terminology will be introduced here and taken further during later chapters. However, these later chapters will deal with the practical aspects of measurement and characterisation, often assuming that the basic physical principles of measurement have been established.