K-Wave Simulation of Tissue Harmonic and Pulse Inversion Harmonic Imaging Methods

Abstract

This paper presents computer simulations of Ultrasound Tissue Harmonic Imaging (THI) and Pulse Inversion Harmonic Imaging (PIHI) models. The main goal is to augment the detection of targets that would not be possible using fundamental frequency imaging (Conventional B-mode Imaging, CBI). After computer modeling and validation, we expect to implement those techniques in a technological platform for ultrasound research. THI and PIHI techniques are described and simulations were carried out using 32 element matrix transducers with fundamental center frequencies 1.5 and 3.5 MHz. We have used a phantom proposed by Treeby and Cox [1] using the K-Wave toolbox implemented in Matlab®. Our results showed that, when using harmonic imaging techniques, it was possible to detect structures that were not or were poorly visible in conventional B-mode imaging.