Initial phantom validation of minute roughness measurement using phase tracking for arterial wall diagnosis non-invasively in vivo.

To detect minute roughness, we utilized the phase change that occurs in a radio frequency echo from the rough surface of an object during its lateral motion. The new method was optimized and validated using saw-tooth-shaped silicone phantoms sized from 13 to 33 μm; results were compared to those obtained using a confocal laser scanning microscope.