Release burst imaging is a method based on the combination of multiple high frequency, broadband-detection pulses with a separate release burst. Release burst imaging is optimally suited to the characteristic of ultrasound contrast agents.
This method allows to improve both contrast sensitivity and imaging resolution. Imaging and transient enhanced scattering can be optimized separately. The release burst mode can be combined with a Doppler method to remove residual clutter signals from moving tissue.

See also Repetition Rate.

(THI) Tissue harmonic imaging (also called native harmonic imaging) is a signal processing technique which addresses ultrasound limitations like penetration and resolution. Tissue harmonic imaging reduces noise and clutter by improving signal to noise ratio and resolution. The signal penetration in soft tissue increases as the transmit frequency is decreased, by simultaneous decreased image resolution. As an ultrasound wave propagates through the target media a change occurs in the shape and frequency of the transmitted signal. The change is due to the normal resistance of tissue to propagate sound energy. This resistance and the resulting signal change is called a harmonic oscillation.
For harmonic imaging the input frequency doubles the output frequency, for example a transmit frequency of 3.0 MHz. which would provide maximum penetration will return a harmonic frequency of 6.0 MHz. The returning higher frequency signal has to only travel one direction to the probe. The advantages of high frequency imaging and the one-way travel effect are decreased reverberation, beam aberration, and side lobes, as well as increased resolution and cystic clearing.