Technology Overview

Effective Bulk Modulus Elastography (EMBE) uses classical relationships between the acoustic impedance of a material and the speed at which sound travels through it. These relationships are: K = ρc2 = Zc and ρ = Zc-1, where K is the bulk modulus of the material, ρ is the density, c is the speed of sound, and Z is the acoustic impedance. Since this method is entirely based on mathematical relationships between material properties, acoustic impedance, and the speed of sound, it does not require that the sample is deformed.

This is beneficial due to the fact that sample deformation can sometimes lead to adverse affects. Furthermore, since the material properties are calculated directly from the relation to the speed of sound and acoustic impedance, EBME does not require the knowledge of the properties of a reference material. This feature makes this method much more versatile than other ultrasound mapping methods.

Stage of Development

Lab testing and research

The effectiveness of this method on various combinations of materials has already been tested. It has proven to be accurate for soft, dispersive materials as well as hard, low-dispersion materials. Below, and show the bulk modulus and density maps produced using EBME for two different material arrangements. It should be noted that these maps were produced without signal processing techniques.

Benefits

Does not require deformation of the sample
Works for both hard, low dispersion materials and soft, dispersive materials
Does not require explicit knowledge of the elastic properties of a reference material
Can clearly distinguish the difference between materials with similar properties

Applications

Medical care
Material characterisation

Novel Universal Ultrasound Imaging Methods: Effective Bulk Modulus Elastography and Effective Density Mapping

Patents

IP Status

Seeking