ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH SPECTRAL COMPOUNDING FOR SPECKLE REDUCTION

Stanford researchers at the Steven Chu Lab have developed and patented a method and apparatus to optimize speckle suppression in ultrasound imaging, usable for diagnostic purposes. This method uses Fourier-transform limited pulses for spectral compounding. The optimization of pulse shape allows for the optimization of the trade-off between speckle reduction and axial resolution. Compared to images without spectral compounding, this invention can reduce the speckle noise by 2-3X and dramatically improve image quality, as demonstrated in preliminary data.

Figure

Figure description - Use of Fourier-filter speckle reduction method to image a piece of porcine kidney. Figure shows optical image (left panel) of a portion of kidney tissue imaged by ultrasound. The minor and major calyces appear white in the optical image. The same features can be identified in the conventional B-mode image (middle panel). The frequency compounded image shows reduced speckle while maintaining good spatial resolution.

Stage of Development - Proof of Concept