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 JBiSE  Vol.5 No.5 , May 2012
Tissue attenuation coefficient estimation using bubble harmonics with frequency diversity
Sheng-Kai Tsao, Jenho Tsao
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Abstract: In a previous work, we developed a consistent TAC (tissue attenuation coefficient) estimator using bubble echoes. Based on temporal averaging, we can improve the estimation precision of TAC for the tissue bounded between two vessels. In this paper, we extend it to use frequency diversity for saving interrogation time by transmit multiple narrowband signals in each pulse. At first, we analyze the deterministic and stochastic properties of the diversity signals. Then a multi-band maximum likelihood diversity combiner is developed. We also provide diversity gains of different diversity estimators for comparing their estimation efficiencies. In the experimental work, we design a simplified phantom for demonstrating the performance of the purposed estimator. It is shown that the TAC estimation rate can be improved by frequency diversity. The convergence rates of single-band and multi-band estimators are compared and it is shown that the multi-band estimator is more consistent than the single-band estimator.
Keywords: Graduate Institute of Communication Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Cite this paper: Tsao, S. and Tsao, J. (2012) Tissue attenuation coefficient estimation using bubble harmonics with frequency diversity. Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering, 5, 276-284. doi: 10.4236/jbise.2012.55035.
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