Correlation techniques for ultrasonic signal alignment

The primary goal of this work is the development of effective signal alignment algorithms to reduce jitter and remove tissue motion. These techniques allow us to better estimate low blood flow velocities and reconstruct vessels in three dimensions. Using high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasound, in-vivo studies of the ciliary body from the rabbit eye have been conducted. Realignment of these signals from a single line of sight is a critical part of blood velocity estimation and vessel reconstruction, and our methods are presented in detail. Furthermore, a new algorithm allowing for alignment between lines of sight is described, and initial results are presented. Such an algorithm further reduces jitter, corrects for tissue motion and enables us to better visualize vessel continuity, which is necessary to eliminate spurious noise.