Which parameters describe pulsed wave ultrasound?

The choice highlighting pulse duration, pulse repetition frequency, pulse repetition period, duty factor, and spatial pulse length accurately encompasses the key parameters that define pulsed wave ultrasound.

Pulse duration refers to the time it takes for one pulse to be emitted, indicating how long the ultrasound beam is “on.” Pulse repetition frequency (PRF) describes how many pulses are emitted per second, and the pulse repetition period (PRP) signifies the time from the start of one pulse to the start of the next, which includes both the pulse duration and the listening time. The duty factor is a ratio that compares the pulse duration to the total time of the PRP, providing insight into the percentage of time the system is actively transmitting versus when it is receiving echoes. Lastly, spatial pulse length describes the physical length of the pulse in space, which is critical for determining the axial resolution of the ultrasound image.

Collectively, these parameters are essential for understanding the behavior of pulsed wave ultrasound in various applications, including Doppler ultrasound and imaging techniques. By evaluating these metrics, one can get a comprehensive view of how the ultrasound system operates and how well it can resolve different structures in the body.