Robust Model-Based Viscoelastic Characterization of QIBA Phantoms through Fractional Derivative Group Shear Wave Speeds

We present a technique for viscoelastic material characterization from group shear wave speeds measured at various fractional derivative orders. In this work, we fit experimental group shear wave speeds at a range of fractional derivative orders to a look up table of calculated speeds for a given excitation geometry and material model, resulting in estimated model parameters for the experimental acquisition. The technique is demonstrated in three viscoelastic phantoms similar to the Phase II Quantitative Imaging and Biomarkers Alliance phantoms. The results demonstrate the fractional derivative group shear wave speed method produces more repeatable parameter values than fitting phase velocity curves (determined with the peak of the 2DFT). Additionally, it is observed that the linear attenuation model is a more accurate two parameter model than the Voigt model for these phantoms. Additional simulations, results and discussion will be presented in the forthcoming full length paper.