Detection of spatially nonuniform ultrasonic radiation with phase sensitive (piezoelectric) and phase insensitive (acoustoelectric) receivers

An analysis is presented of the responses of a phase sensitive and a phase insensitive ultrasound receiver detecting a spatially nonuniform pressure distribution. The predicted output of each type of receiver is obtained numerically using a model of wave propagation based upon diffraction theory. Experimental verification of these predictions is obtained using a piezoelectric and an acoustoelectric receiver as a phase sensitive and a phase insensitive detector, respectively. Results are illustrated for transmission measurements of the frequency-dependent attenuation of an irregular plastic plate and for scattering measurements of the observed angular and spatial dependence of scattering from a pair of brass rods.