What does the intensity transmission coefficient (ITC) represent?

The intensity transmission coefficient (ITC) represents the percentage of sound intensity that continues to propagate through a medium after interacting with a boundary between two different media, such as when an ultrasound wave travels from a gel into skin. It quantifies how much of the incident intensity is transmitted into the next medium, allowing for a clearer understanding of the wave behavior at interfaces. A high ITC indicates that a larger portion of the sound intensity is transmitted, while a lower value suggests more reflection and absorption. This concept is crucial in sonography, as it influences image quality and diagnostic capabilities based on how effectively ultrasound waves can penetrate different tissues. Understanding ITC helps sonographers optimize imaging settings and anticipate how sound waves will behave as they encounter various tissues within the body.