New setup for hybrid photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging with optical ultrasound detection
Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 07:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a method to visualize structures with optical contrast in biological tissue. Despite the strong optical scattering in tissue, high resolution images in the visible and near infrared spectral range can be obtained. The method is based on sound waves which are generated in regions of enhanced optical absorption. The absorption of diffusely propagating optical radiation leads to a temperature rise and thermoelastic expansion causing sound waves which can be detected at the tissue surface. The strength of photoacoustic techniques is the imaging of the vasculature and the ability to derive functional properties such as oxygen saturation from signals detected at different optical excitation wavelengths.