Which parameters describe shallow imaging?

Shallow imaging is characterized by the need for less time to send and receive ultrasound pulses due to shorter depths of penetration, which significantly influences the relevant parameters.

In shallow imaging, the pulse repetition period (PRP), which is the time taken for one complete cycle of sending a pulse and receiving its echo, is shorter. This reduction occurs because sound waves do not have to travel as far to reach the deeper structures and return. A shorter PRP results in a higher pulse repetition frequency (PRF), which is the number of pulses emitted per second. As a consequence, with a higher PRF, the duty factor (the fraction of time the system is transmitting) also increases, indicating that the system is actively sending pulses for a greater proportion of time.

Highlighting the relationship between these parameters helps to clarify that shallow imaging is indeed associated with shorter PRP, higher PRF, and higher duty factor. This is crucial for optimizing imaging protocols for applications needing rapid data acquisition and responsiveness to shifts in the anatomy being examined.