The beam uniformity coefficient (BUC) is a measure of the uniformity of the ultrasound beam in terms of its intensity or power distribution. It is a unitless value that ranges from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating perfect uniformity.
The BUC is calculated by dividing the maximum beam intensity by the average beam intensity. This value is then squared to get the final BUC value. Mathematically, it can be represented as BUC = (Imax / Iavg)^2
The BUC is an important parameter in ultrasound physics because it reflects the quality and consistency of the ultrasound beam. A lower BUC value indicates a less uniform beam, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of ultrasound imaging.
The BUC directly affects image quality by influencing the intensity and distribution of the ultrasound beam. A higher BUC value results in a more uniform beam, which can improve image resolution and reduce artifacts.
The BUC can be affected by various factors such as the transducer type, frequency, and focusing techniques. It can also be influenced by the medium through which the ultrasound beam travels, as well as any obstructions or reflections in the beam's path.