Signal coupling in ultrasound is a term used to describe the state of sound propagation between the transducer and tissue. Signal coupling is degraded by air bubbles and materials that do not conduct sound.

Composite arrays are combinations of piezoelectric ceramics and polymers that form a new material with different properties. Piezocomposites improve the performance of usual arrays such as the mechanically scanned annular array and the linear phased array.
Piezocomposites reduce the acoustic impedance with a better impedance match with tissue. The result is a reduction of the reverberation level in the near field. Unwanted surface waves propagating laterally over the transducer are suppressed. The composite materials allow to vary the electromechanical coupling constant, and to give better control over the trade-off between sensitivity and bandwidth.

See also Narrow Bandwidth, Dead Zone, Ultrasound Phantom.

The array of elements of microconvex probe is curved with a certain radius. Microconvex probes have a much smaller contact surface, which improves the coupling between the transducer and the skin surface even in complicated areas as the supraclavicular or jugular fossa. Microconvex probes, with large aperture and selection of transmission frequencies are also used in gynecological diagnostic.

See also Transvaginal Echography, Endocavitary Echography and Transrectal Ultrasonography.

Ultrasound waves propagate poorly through a gaseous medium that result usually in inadequate imaging.
The effect of propagation through dense zones is that nearly all of the ultrasound waves are reflected. Structures below dense zones, for example bone, calcium, metal are also poorly imaged.

See also Signal Coupling.

Common ultrasound supplies that are often used in conjunction with ultrasound imaging:
Common ultrasound accessories that are often used in conjunction with ultrasound imaging:
Consult with ultrasound equipment vendors or professionals in the field to determine the specific accessories and supplies that best suit your imaging needs and specialty. See also Equipment Preparation, Environmental Protection, Portable Ultrasound Machine, Ultrasound Technology, Ultrasound System Performance and Sonographer.