<title>Tracking blood flow and tissue motion using optical correlation</title>

Abstract

Optical correlation systems can be used to measure blood flow and tissue motion in any direction in the plane of an ultrasound image. A detailed description of a joint transform correlator (JTC) used to track the movement of speckle is presented. The JTC system required placing a filter at the Fourier plane to enable accurate tracking. Results obtained from this system demonstrate that optical correlation can measure the speckle movement with an accuracy comparable to that of digital methods currently being used. Moreover, optical methods have potential advantages in speed, size, and power consumption. In addition, results from measuring the velocity of blood flow and tissue motion are presented.