Synthetic B-Scan Images by Numerical Solution of a Wave Equation

Abstract

We describe an efficient method for obtaining model sector-scan images by direct solution of a linear wave equation characterizing pulse scattering from spatially varying bulk modulus and density distributions. Using a pseudospectral approach, the wave equation is solved numerically for each transducer orientation to obtain a set of A-line signals. After preprocessing the raw data, sector-scan images are constructed and displayed. Examples are given for several scattering object configurations, illustrating both specular and diffractive scattering in inhomogeneous media and demonstrating the utility of the model.