Dual frequency phased array transducers allow performing third or fourth harmonic imaging. This array design contains two different types of elements arranged in an interleaved pattern (odd and even elements). The elements can work individually and at a distinct frequency enabling separate transmission and receiving modes.

Standard scanners allow visualizing microbubbles on conventional gray scale imaging in large vascular spaces. In the periphery, more sensitive techniques such as Doppler or non-linear gray scale modes must be used because of the dilution of the microbubbles in the blood pool. Harmonic power Doppler (HPD) is one of the most sensitive techniques for detecting ultrasound contrast agents.
Commonly microbubbles are encapsulated or otherwise stabilized to prolong their lifetime after injection. These bubbles can be altered by exposure to ultrasound pulses. Depending on the contrast agent and the insonating pulse, the changes include deformation or breakage of the encapsulating or stabilizing material, generation of free gas bubbles, reshaping or resizing of gas volumes.
High acoustic pressure amplitudes and long pulses increase the changes. However, safety considerations limit the pressure amplitude and long pulses decrease spatial resolution. In addition, lowering the pulse frequency increases destruction of contrast bubbles. However, at low insonation power levels, contrast agent particles resist insonation without detectable changes. Newer agents are more reflective and will usually allow gray scale imaging to be used with the advantages of better spatial resolution, fewer artifacts and faster frame rates.

Feasible imaging methods with advantages in specific acoustic microbubble properties:
Resonating microbubbles emit harmonic signals at double their resonance frequency. If a scanner is modified to select only these harmonic signals, this non-linear mode produces a clear image or trace. The effect depends on the fact that it is easier to expand a bubble than to compress it so that it responds asymmetrically to a symmetrical ultrasound wave. A special array design allows to perform third or fourth harmonic imaging. This probe type is called a dual frequency phased array transducer.

See also Bubble Specific Imaging.

Usually, multiple probes are used because most transducers are only able to emit one frequency because the piezoelectric ceramic or crystals within it have a certain inherent frequency.
Multi-frequency probes have multiple crystals with different frequencies and the desired specific frequency can be selected. Advanced probes can emit sound waves at different frequencies for the near and far fields. The disadvantage is that multi-frequency (multifrequency) probes have slower frame rates and therefore they are only useful for imaging of static structures.

See also Dual Frequency Phased Array Transducer and Tri-Frequency Probe.

A tri-frequency probe emits three different frequencies. Probes with tri-frequency capabilities allow a wide range of scanning applications from a single probe.

See also Multi-Frequency Probe and Dual Frequency Phased Array Transducer.

From Hitachi Medical Corporation (HMC), sales, marketing and service in the US by Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc.
The HI VISION™ 5500 - EUB-5500 fully digital ultrasound system delivers the latest generation of signal processing technology, sophisticated transducer design, and a host of features and options for advanced imaging capabilities across a wide range of clinical situations. This system is compatible with all Pentax ultrasound endoscopes.