At a smooth, concave interface, what occurs with the reflected sound?

At a smooth, concave interface, the behavior of reflected sound is primarily characterized by the curvature of the surface. When ultrasound encounters a concave surface, the sound waves reflect in various directions due to the geometry of the interface.

In this case, the correct understanding is that a portion of the sound is indeed diverted away from the probe. This phenomenon occurs because the shape of the concave interface causes the sound waves, which reflect off the surface, to spread out rather than returning directly to the source. The degree to which sound is redirected depends on the specific angle of incidence and the curvature of the surface.

This principle is fundamental in ultrasound imaging as it can affect how accurately different tissue interfaces are visualized. When sound is reflected away from the probe, it may lead to reduced echogenicity or a loss of signal strength, affecting the quality of the ultrasound image. Understanding this behavior is crucial for interpreting ultrasound results effectively and accurately within diagnostic ophthalmic sonography.