Contrast-resolution Evaluation of Fourier Based High Frame Rate Imaging

Controlled experiments were designed to evaluate the high frame rate (HFR) imaging method and compare it with the conventional D&S method on sidelobe, spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and detectability. A point object or modified ATS512 contrast-detail tissue-mimicking phantom was placed in a water tank, and a modified Acuson V2 array transducer was used. RF echoes were obtained with a homemade HFR imaging system. Data were constructed with both the Fourier-based method (with 1, 11, 19, and 91 transmissions) and the D&S method of 91 transmissions. The Fourier-based method provides a continuous compromise between image frame rate and image quality. At the same frame rate (91 transmissions), the Fourier-based method has a higher resolution and lower sidelobe than the D&S method, even at its transmission focal distance.