Essentials of Ultrasound Imaging offers a fast track introduction to the science, physics and technology of ultrasound imaging systems. Uniquely, principles are revealed by examples from software simulation programs, thus allowing the reader to engage with the concepts having minimal mathematical background. The material is organized around a functional block diagram which is, in turn, related to physical processes and implementations of the functional concepts on commercial and research imaging systems. Examples from a Verasonics Vantage Research Ultrasound System provide unparalleled insight into each step of ultrasound image creation including signal processing, transducer operation, different types of beamforming, and image formation. The last chapter examines the potential and capabilities of ultrasound imaging and measurement for future applications. With a thorough grounding of the physics and methods of ultrasound imaging, this book is suitable for students learning about ultrasound and researchers involved, or starting out in, ultrasound research development who might not have the background to understand the latest developments. - Gives an understanding of wave propagation, piezoelectric transducers, beam focusing, Doppler imaging of fluid flow, types of ultrasound systems, and real-time image formation and resolution - Explains basic mathematical and scientific concepts underlying ultrasound imaging and physics - Follows the passage of pulse-echo waveforms through the changes made by wave propagation, array beam formation, absorption, and system processing to image formation - Describes the concepts written in MATLAB® that are illustrated by numerous examples from unique simulations of physics, processing, and imaging and from experiments and signals within an ultrasound research system - Presents an accompanying simulator software package, in executable form, designed to demonstrate concepts with minimal mathematical background, together with a curriculum of hands-on experiments using an ultrasound research system, both available from Verasonics