The difference frequency component between a first fundamental wave of
frequency f and a second fundamental wave of frequency f.sub.2 is caused
to interact with a second harmonic wave, thereby to attain the
enhancement of a second harmonic signal, etc., whereby a reflected wave
component to be imaged is extracted at a high S/N ratio. By way of
example, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear
on the lower frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first
fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the
frequencies are set at f.sub.2=2.8f or so. Besides, in a case where the
difference frequency component is to appear on the higher frequency side
of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be
superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at
f.sub.2=3.2f or so.