What happens to image quality if the duty factor is too low?

When the duty factor is too low, it indicates that the percentage of time the ultrasound system is actively transmitting sound waves is reduced. A low duty factor results in less energy being sent into the tissue being imaged, which can lead to various negative impacts on image quality.

One of the primary issues with a low duty factor is the decrease in the strength of the returning echoes. Since fewer sound waves are being transmitted, there is less information being captured from the reflections of those waves. This leads to lower signal amplitude from the returning echoes, resulting in images that may be weaker and less detailed. Additionally, poorer image resolution may occur because the system has less data to work with to construct a clear and detailed image.

In ultrasound imaging, optimal image quality is generally achieved with an appropriate balance of energy transmission and reception. Low duty factors disrupt this balance and can ultimately lead to a deterioration in image quality, making it difficult to accurately visualize structures and diagnose potential conditions. This is why a low duty factor is associated with poorer image quality.