Optimization of Compound Weights in Ultrafast Ultrasound Imaging: An Experimental Study

Diverging wave imaging (DWI) is an ultrafast ultrasound technique that offers high frame rates and a large field of-view, but it suffers from reduced image quality compared to conventional methods. In this study, a multi-objective optimization framework employing genetic algorithms was proposed to compute compound transmit weights to enhance image resolution and contrast. The experimental validation of a tissue-mimicking phantom acquired using a Verasonics ultrasound scanner with a C5-2 convex array probe demonstrates significant improvements in lateral resolution and contrast ratio when optimized weights are applied, relative to uniform compounding.