Which intensity measurement averages the intensity during the pulse duration?

Pulsed average intensity refers specifically to the average intensity of the ultrasound beam over the duration of the pulse. This measurement is critical in assessing the energy delivered to a tissue during ultrasound imaging or therapy because it takes into account the on-time of the pulse rather than just continuously measuring intensity.

Pulsed average intensity is a key factor in understanding the biological effects of ultrasound, as tissues can absorb energy differently depending on whether the ultrasound is pulsed or continuous. By measuring the intensity specifically during the pulse duration, clinicians can better evaluate the potential for thermal or mechanical effects on tissues.

In contrast, temporal average intensity aggregates the intensity over both the "on" and "off" times, making it less specific for applications that rely on understanding the effects of the pulsed nature of ultrasound. Spatial peak intensity concerns itself with the maximum intensity at a specific location within the beam, while temporal peak intensity is focused on the highest intensity measured regardless of duty cycle or averaging, which does not directly relate to the effects of the intensity during the pulse duration.