Nonlinear propagation of focused ultrasound in layered biological tissues based on angular spectrum approach

Nonlinear propagation of focused ultrasound in layered biological tissues is theoretically studied by using the angular spectrum approach (ASA), in which an acoustic wave is decomposed into its angular spectrum, and the distribution of nonlinear acoustic fields is calculated in arbitrary planes normal to the acoustic axis. Several biological tissues are used as specimens inserted into the focusing region illuminated by a focused piston source. The second harmonic components within or beyond the biological specimens are numerically calculated. Validity of the theoretical model is examined by measurements. This approach employing the fast Fourier transformation gives a clear visualization of the focused ultrasound, which is helpful for nonlinear ultrasonic imaging.