Validating and expanding the theoretical frameworks that relate ultrasonic backscatter to scatterer properties

Backscattered echo signals are related to scatterer properties in theoretical frameworks published independently by Lizzi and Insana. These frameworks are based on assumptions that may not consistently apply to tissue scatterers. Our study aims to confirm and expand the theory to include scattering under a variety of scatterer conditions. A 35‐MHz transducer was used to scan suspended 12‐μm‐diam uveal melanoma cells. Using Fourier methods, spectral parameters were computed from ultrasonic echo data acquired from the suspension. Normalization was implemented in two ways. First, a glass‐plate calibration spectrum was subtracted from the experimental data. Second, the spectrum acquired from suspended 20‐μm beads was compared to the spectrum predicted by Faran’s theory. The difference between expected and experimental spectra was attributed to system effects. Cell acoustic impedance was estimated from cell‐pellet density and propagation velocity. Theoretical spectral values were computed from cell size, conce...