Ultrasound Physics and Equipment

BMUS is pleased to provide this series of lectures on ultrasound physics and equipment to support the ongoing education and professional development of sonographers, radiologists and other healthcare professionals. These resources are designed to strengthen understanding of how ultrasound systems work in practice, helping users to optimise image quality, recognise artefacts and apply ultrasound safely and effectively in a clinical setting.

We are grateful to Colin Deane of King’s College London for generously making these lectures available. Developed as part of the King’s ultrasound education programme, they offer a valuable and practical insight into the scientific principles that underpin everyday ultrasound imaging.

About this Lecture Series

This series provides an introduction to the science of medical ultrasound, focusing on building a strong and practical understanding of how ultrasound works, how images are formed, and how they can be optimised for clinical use.

While there are many resources covering ultrasound physics, these lectures are specifically designed to support good clinical practice. The emphasis is not on complex engineering detail, but on the key principles that clinicians need to understand in order to use ultrasound effectively. For example, users are encouraged to consider how probe selection affects imaging depth and quality, and how equipment performance can be assessed in day‑to‑day use.

The lectures place ultrasound science firmly in the context of real clinical imaging, demonstrating how factors such as frequency, dynamic range and Doppler settings directly influence image clarity and diagnostic usefulness. Many of the images used have been produced by King’s College London staff and students, highlighting how an understanding of ultrasound physics can be applied in practice.

As part of the wider King’s course, learners are encouraged to explore their own equipment, produce clinical images, and use ultrasound phantoms to understand how different settings affect image quality and measurements. This practical approach shows that even those with limited prior knowledge can develop a strong grasp of the underlying principles and apply them effectively in clinical settings.

The series also includes supporting questions to aid learning and revision, and is complemented by additional topics that will cover more advanced techniques and emerging developments in ultrasound.

Lecture Series

Below is the full list of lectures included in this series. Each lecture includes video and accompanying slides.

1. Introduction to Ultrasound (24 minutes)

This lecture provides an introduction to the key concepts covered in the ultrasound physics and equipment series. It outlines how ultrasound works in clinical practice and introduces the core topics that underpin image formation, optimisation and safe use of ultrasound systems.

2. Waves and Ultrasound (22 minutes)

This lecture explores ultrasound as a type of wave, including the fundamental principles of frequency, wavelength and the speed of sound. It also explains how waves behave and how these properties influence image formation and clinical imaging.

3. Ultrasound Interactions (39 minutes)

Part A (29 minutes) | Part B (10 minutes)

These lectures explain how ultrasound images are produced through interactions with tissue. They cover key processes such as reflection, scattering, attenuation and refraction, helping users understand how these factors affect image quality and interpretation.

4. Transducers and Beamforming (32 minutes)

This lecture focuses on how ultrasound probes (transducers) generate and receive sound waves to produce B‑mode images. It explains array transducers, beamforming techniques, and common technical challenges that may affect image quality.

5. B‑mode Controls (54 minutes)

Part A (32 minutes) | Part B (22 minutes)

These lectures explain the key controls used in B‑mode imaging and how they influence image quality. They cover how adjustments to machine settings can improve clarity, contrast and diagnostic usefulness.

6. Measuring Image Quality and User QA​ (44 minutes)

Part A (30 minutes) | Part B (14 minutes)

These lectures cover how to assess and maintain ultrasound image quality. They include the use of ultrasound phantoms to evaluate system performance, and practical quality assurance steps to ensure equipment is functioning safely and effectively in clinical practice.

7. Artefacts and Measurements (44 minutes)

Part A (25 minutes) | Part B (17 minutes) | Part C (9 minutes)

These lectures examine common B‑mode artefacts, explaining why they occur and how to recognise them in practice. They also explore when artefacts may be useful or misleading, and introduce basic measurement techniques.

8. Doppler Overview (47 minutes)

This lecture introduces Doppler ultrasound, including the basic principles behind blood flow measurement. It covers colour flow imaging, spectral Doppler, waveform interpretation, optimisation techniques and common sources of error.

9. Ultrasound Safety (23 minutes)

This lecture explores how ultrasound interacts with tissue and the implications for patient safety. It covers safety indices, current guidelines, and the responsibilities of ultrasound users in maintaining safe practice.

10. The Equipment Cycle (20 minutes)

This lecture provides an overview of the lifecycle of ultrasound equipment, including key considerations when selecting and purchasing a scanner. It highlights the importance of matching equipment capabilities to clinical needs.