(F) The number of cycles of a periodic process per unit time. Frequency and wavelength are inversely related. The higher the frequency the smaller the wavelength. The frequency of ultrasound is expressed in units of hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz = 1 cycle per second.
The effect of different frequencies on tissue penetration:
The higher the frequency the less the penetration, the lower the frequency the greater the penetration. As frequency increases, resolution improves but the imaging depth or penetration decreases. The lower the axial resolution, the more detail can be seen.
Usual frequencies for pediatric ultrasound: 5.0mHz to 7.5mHz and 10mHz.
Usual frequencies for adult ultrasound: 2.0mHz to 3.0mHz.

See also Doppler Interrogation Frequency, Multi-frequency Probe, and Huygens Principle.

The center frequency is the median frequency of the transmitted pulse. This pulse contains a range of frequencies in pulsed ultrasound systems.

The Nyquist frequency describes the highest frequency that can be sampled in a pulsed ultrasound system. To record higher frequencies the zero baseline can be shifted in the desired direction.

See also Nyquist Limit, and Sampling Rate.

The resonant frequency is the frequency at which a piezoelectric ceramic (crystal) will vibrate most efficiently. At the resonant frequency the crystal will produce the highest output with the least amount of voltage applied.

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.