
5
BEAM PROFILE, FOCAL ZONE AND LATERAL RESPONSE WIDTH (CONTINUED)
4. The phantom is constructed with a scattering plane located in the center of
and at 90° to the scanning surface. Place the transducer on scan surface #1.
Adjust the position until the profile of the beam is clearly displayed.
Note:
For sector imaging systems, the beam will sweep back and forth as it
passes through the scattering plane, imaging the cross-section of the
beam. In a multitransducer sector scan head, the image will be the integrated
sum of all the beam profiles. To examine the beam profile of the individual
transducer, the frame rate must be decreased, until the individual beam profile
is displayed. Depending upon the system, it may be necessary to reduce
the frame rate to zero.
5. Freeze the image and obtain a hard copy.
6. Examine the display. The image should be "hour-glass" in shape. Note the
presence or absence of any grating lobes, which will be displayed as
two "horns" on either side of the main beam, usually in the near
field. Using the electronic calipers, measure the focal length and beam width at
the focal point. If you desire, measurements of the near and far fields can also
be obtained.
NOTE: A correction factor of 0.94 adjusts for the speed of sound in ATS
urethane (1450 m/s).
7. Document all measurements and observations on the quality assurance record.