Photoacoustic monopole radiation in one, two, and three dimensions

Utilization of fullerenes nanoparticles for ultrasound applications in developing a high-efficiency acoustic emission source

Fullerenes have exhibited excellent performance in solar cells, electric transducer and catalysts. The rather high absorption coefficient, combined with its low specific heat capacity, as well as hydrophobicity and antioxidant, are key features for applications in acoustic emission (AE), which has never been reported. Here, we fabricate and characterize a flexible an AE source based on the fullerenes-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite. By controlling the composite concentration or thickness, the center frequency can be changed in laser ultrasound excitation. The assembled transducer simultaneously achieves relatively wide frequency range (10-dB bandwidth>10 MHz) and efficient laser ultrasound conversion (1.13×10-2). The mechanical robustness of the AE source is also quantitatively characterized in water. Notably, compared to graphene nano-flakes, the fullerenes exhibit a more than threefold increase in excitation amplitude. Owing to high-intensity ultrasound excitation of the fullerenes-PDMS composite, the structure characteristics of centimeter-scaled physical models are clearly resolved by irradiating the material as a laser-ultrasound source. To construct a compact fiber-optic exciter, the fullerenes-PDMS film is additionally applied to a fiber end via dip coating. The findings suggest that fullerenes possess significant competitive advantages as a high-efficiency AE source in the field of ultrasound applications.

Efficient implementations of a Born Series for computing photoacoustic field from a collection of erythrocytes

Numerical implementation of the Born series procedure is a computationally expensive task. Various computational strategies have been adopted and tested in this work for fast execution of the convergent Born series (CBS) algorithm for solving inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation in the context of biomedical photoacoustics (PAs). The PA field estimated by the CBS method for a solid circular disk approximating a red blood cell exhibits excellent agreement with the analytical result. It is observed that PA pressure map for a collection of red blood cells (mimicking blood) retains the signature of multiple scattering of acoustic waves by the acoustically inhomogeneous PA sources. The developed numerical tool realizing the CBS algorithm compatible with systems having multiple graphics processing units can be utilized further for accurate and fast estimation of the PA field for large tissue media.

Quantitative assessment of thrombosis-induced blood oxygenation change in deep tissues based on photoacoustic tomography: an ex vivo study

The staging and classification of thrombosis hold significant clinical value for optimizing thrombus treatment strategies. In this study, we propose a quantitative method based on photoacoustic tomography for assessing thrombosis in deep tissues. By using inner chromophore signals as a correction factor, this approach minimizes the 'spectral coloring' effects caused by overlying heterogeneous tissues. Ex vivo experiments validate that the method acquires accurate spectra up to a depth of 30 mm across various tissue conditions. After calibration, the Pearson correlation coefficients calculated for the spectrum in deep tissue against the uncolored absorption spectrum is 15% higher, and the standard deviation of the Pearson correlation coefficients decreased by 58%. Sequential measurements capture time-dependent spectral changes of thrombus phantom during six days, providing a potential diagnostic reference for thrombus formation time and type. This method offers a non-invasive, practical tool for accurately quantifying thrombosis stages, which might be valuable for optimizing treatment strategies.

Mechanism of Amplified Photoacoustic Effect for Silica-Coated Spherical Gold Nanoparticles

Plasmonic nanomaterials are effective photoacoustic (PA) contrast agents with diverse biomedical applications. While silica coatings on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been demonstrated to increase PA efficiency, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we systematically investigated the impact of silica coatings on PA generation under picosecond and nanosecond laser pulses. Experimentally, we demonstrated a record high PA amplification of up to 400% under noncavitation conditions with a thin silica coating and only under picosecond laser pulses. We provide a clear mechanism for the observed PA amplification that identifies two competing effects, including transient absorption, which reduces photon energy absorption, and electron-phonon energy transfer at the gold-silica interface, which partly reverses the transient absorption effect. This study provides the first evidence and mechanistic insight on the impact of nonlinear optical effects on the nanomaterial-property relationship in PA contrast agents and offers insights for designing highly efficient contrast agents for biomedical applications.

Evaluation of 10 current image reconstruction algorithms for linear array photoacoustic imaging

Various reconstruction algorithms have been implemented for linear array photoacoustic imaging systems with the goal of accurately reconstructing the strength absorbers within the tissue being imaged. Since the existing algorithms have been introduced by different research groups and the context of performance evaluation was not consistent, it is difficult to make a fair comparison between them. In this study, we systematically compared the performance of 10 published image reconstruction algorithms (DAS, UBP, pDAS, DMAS, MV, EIGMV, SLSC, GSC, TR, and FD) using in-vitro phantom data. Evaluations were conducted based on lateral resolution of the reconstructed images, computational time, target detectability, and noise sensitivity. We anticipate the outcome of this study will assist researchers in selecting appropriate algorithms for their linear array PA imaging applications.

On the Importance of Low-Frequency Signals in Functional and Molecular Photoacoustic Computed Tomography

In photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) with short-pulsed laser excitation, wideband acoustic signals are generated in biological tissues with frequencies related to the effective shapes and sizes of the optically absorbing targets. Low-frequency photoacoustic signal components correspond to slowly varying spatial features and are often omitted during imaging due to the limited detection bandwidth of the ultrasound transducer, or during image reconstruction as undesired background that degrades image contrast. Here we demonstrate that low-frequency photoacoustic signals, in fact, contain functional and molecular information, and can be used to enhance structural visibility, improve quantitative accuracy, and reduce spare-sampling artifacts. We provide an in-depth theoretical analysis of low-frequency signals in PACT, and experimentally evaluate their impact on several representative PACT applications, such as mapping temperature in photothermal treatment, measuring blood oxygenation in a hypoxia challenge, and detecting photoswitchable molecular probes in deep organs. Our results strongly suggest that low-frequency signals are important for functional and molecular PACT.

Point spread function modeling for photoacoustic tomography - I: three-dimensional detection geometries

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) has been under intensive investigation as a promising noninvasive biomedical imaging modality. Various acoustic detector arrays have been developed to achieve enhanced imaging performance. In this paper, we study the effect of the detection geometry on image quality through point spread function (PSF) modeling based on back-projection image reconstruction. Three commonly-used three-dimensional detection geometries, namely, spherical, cylindrical, and planar detector arrays, are investigated. The effect of detector bandwidth and aperture on PSF in these detection geometries is also studied. This work provides a performance evaluation tool for acoustic detector arrays used in PACT and can be helpful in the design and selection of detector arrays in practical imaging applications.

Intravital photoacoustic brain stimulation with high-precision

Significance

Neural regulation at high precision vitally contributes to propelling fundamental understanding in the field of neuroscience and providing innovative clinical treatment options. Recently, photoacoustic brain stimulation has emerged as a cutting-edge method for precise neuromodulation and shows great potential for clinical application.

Aim

The goal of this perspective is to outline the advancements in photoacoustic brain stimulation in recent years. And, we also provide an outlook delineating several prospective paths through which this burgeoning approach may be substantively refined for augmented capability and wider implementations.

Approach

First, the mechanisms of photoacoustic generation as well as the potential mechanisms of photoacoustic brain stimulation are provided and discussed. Then, the state-of-the-art achievements corresponding to this technology are reviewed. Finally, future directions for photoacoustic technology in neuromodulation are provided.

Results

Intensive research endeavors have prompted substantial advancements in photoacoustic brain stimulation, illuminating the unique advantages of this modality for noninvasive and high-precision neuromodulation via a nongenetic way. It is envisaged that further technology optimization and randomized prospective clinical trials will enable a wide acceptance of photoacoustic brain stimulation in clinical practice.

Conclusions

The innovative practice of photoacoustic technology serves as a multifaceted neuromodulation approach, possessing noninvasive, high-accuracy, and nongenetic characteristics. It has a great potential that could considerably enhance not only the fundamental underpinnings of neuroscience research but also its practical implementations in a clinical setting.

MXene-based photoacoustic transducer with a high-energy conversion efficiency

The applications of two-dimensional transition metal carbide/nitride (MXene) in the fields of optoelectronics, sustainable energy, and sensors, among others, have been broadly investigated due to their special electrical, optical, and structural properties. In this Letter, MXene (Ti3C2Tx) has been firstly, to the best of our knowledge, adopted for the application of a photoacoustic transducer by taking advantage of the photothermal property. The efficiency of the photoacoustic transducer based on a sandwich structure of glass/MXene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been experimentally demonstrated to be 1.25 × 10-2 by converting laser pulses into ultrasonic waves, generating a high acoustic pressure of 15.7 MPa without additional acoustic focusing. That can be explained by the great light absorption and photothermal conversion of the Ti3C2Tx layer.

Photoacoustic spectrum analysis for spherical target size and optical property determination: A feasibility study

The photoacoustic signal generated by an optically absorbing target is determined by the spatial profile of absorbed optical energy within the target. The analysis of the time profile and frequency content of the signal enables the recovery of the geometry of the object, as well as information about the optical properties. The photoacoustic response of spheres with a homogeneous absorbed optical energy profile is well described, and it is known that the width of the photoacoustic pulse is determined by the diameter of the sphere and its sound speed. In practice, the optical attenuation coefficients within the sphere will result in an inwardly decaying fluence profile leading to a similarly decaying absorbed optical energy profile. Further, the optical attenuation coefficients may be inhomogeneously distributed in the sphere. The implication for both cases is that the existing model for spheres does not fully apply. In this work, we developed analytical expressions for the photoacoustic time traces and amplitude spectra generated by a sphere with absorbed optical energy only in a spherical shell, and by a sphere with an inwardly decaying optical energy profile. Numerical simulations and experiments were conducted on these two imperfect sphere types. Fitting our model to the simulated or measured spectra allowed us to test our model's ability to extract the sphere size and optical properties. We found that the radii can be recovered with high accuracy, even when the frequency response of the detector recording the photoacoustic pulse is not precisely known. The model was found to be less sensitive in recovering the optical attenuation coefficient, but it is feasible when the detector's frequency response is well known.

Biomedical Application of Photoacoustics: A Plethora of Opportunities

The photoacoustic (PA) technique is a non-invasive, non-ionizing hybrid technique that exploits laser irradiation for sample excitation and acquires an ultrasound signal generated due to thermoelastic expansion of the sample. Being a hybrid technique, PA possesses the inherent advantages of conventional optical (high resolution) and ultrasonic (high depth of penetration in biological tissue) techniques and eliminates some of the major limitations of these conventional techniques. Hence, PA has been employed for different biomedical applications. In this review, we first discuss the basic physics of PA. Then, we discuss different aspects of PA techniques, which includes PA imaging and also PA frequency spectral analysis. The theory of PA signal generation, detection and analysis is also detailed in this work. Later, we also discuss the major biomedical application area of PA technique.

Dual-wavelength photoacoustic atlas method to estimate fractional methylene blue and hemoglobin contents

SIGNIFICANCE

Methylene blue (MB) is an exogenous contrast agent that has the potential to assist with visualization and penetration challenges in photoacoustic imaging. However, monitoring the local concentration between MB and endogenous chromophores is critical for avoiding unnecessary MB accumulations that could lead to adverse effects such as hemolysis when exposed to increased dose and photodamage when exposed to high laser energies.

AIM

We developed a modified version of a previously proposed acoustic-based atlas method to estimate concentration levels from a mixture of two photoacoustic-sensitive materials after two laser wavelength emissions.

APPROACH

Photoacoustic data were acquired from mixtures of 100-μM MB and either human or porcine blood (Hb) injected in a plastisol phantom, using laser wavelengths of 710 and 870 nm. An algorithm to perform linear regression of the acoustic frequency response from an atlas composed of pure concentrations was designed to assess the concentration levels from photoacoustic samples obtained from 11 known MB/Hb volume mixtures. The mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (i.e., R2), and Spearman's correlation coefficient (i.e., ρ) between the estimated results and ground-truth labels were calculated to assess the algorithm performance, linearity, and monotonicity, respectively.

RESULTS

The overall MAE, R2, and ρ were 12.68%, 0.80, and 0.89, respectively, for the human Hb dataset and 9.92%, 0.86, and 0.93, respectively, for the porcine Hb dataset. In addition, a similarly linear relationship was observed between the acoustic frequency response at 2.3 MHz and 870-nm laser wavelength and the ground-truth concentrations, with R2 and | ρ | values of 0.76 and 0.88, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast agent concentration monitoring is feasible with the proposed approach. The potential for minimal data acquisition times with only two wavelength emissions is advantageous toward real-time implementation in the operating room.

Frequency wavelength multiplexed optoacoustic tomography

Optoacoustics (OA) is overwhelmingly implemented in the Time Domain (TD) to achieve high signal-to-noise ratios by maximizing the excitation light energy transient. Implementations in the Frequency Domain (FD) have been proposed, but suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios and have not offered competitive advantages over time domain methods to reach high dissemination. It is therefore commonly believed that TD is the optimal way to perform optoacoustics. Here we introduce an optoacoustic concept based on pulse train illumination and frequency domain multiplexing and theoretically demonstrate the superior merits of the approach compared to the time domain. Then, using recent advances in laser diode illumination, we launch Frequency Wavelength Multiplexing Optoacoustic Tomography (FWMOT), at multiple wavelengths, and experimentally showcase how FWMOT optimizes the signal-to-noise ratios of spectral measurements over time-domain methods in phantoms and in vivo. We further find that FWMOT offers the fastest multi-spectral operation ever demonstrated in optoacoustics.

Optoacoustic imaging is mostly performed in the time domain. Here the authors demonstrate frequency wavelength multiplexed optoacoustic tomography that can operate at multiple wavelengths simultaneously and offers signal-to-noise ratio advantages over time domain methods.

Recovery of Blood Flow From Undersampled Photoacoustic Microscopy Data Using Sparse Modeling

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) leverages the optical absorption contrast of blood hemoglobin for high-resolution, multi-parametric imaging of the microvasculature in vivo. However, to quantify the blood flow speed, dense spatial sampling is required to assess blood flow-induced loss of correlation of sequentially acquired A-line signals, resulting in increased laser pulse repetition rate and consequently optical fluence. To address this issue, we have developed a sparse modeling approach for blood flow quantification based on downsampled PAM data. Evaluation of its performance both in vitro and in vivo shows that this sparse modeling method can accurately recover the substantially downsampled data (up to 8 times) for correlation-based blood flow analysis, with a relative error of 12.7 ± 6.1 % across 10 datasets in vitro and 12.7 ± 12.1 % in vivo for data downsampled 8 times. Reconstruction with the proposed method is on par with recovery using compressive sensing, which exhibits an error of 12.0 ± 7.9 % in vitro and 33.86 ± 26.18 % in vivo for data downsampled 8 times. Both methods outperform bicubic interpolation, which shows an error of 15.95 ± 9.85 % in vitro and 110.7 ± 87.1 % in vivo for data downsampled 8 times.

Predicting optoacoustic spectral behaviour of human erythrocytes, stomatocytes and echinocytes using a modified Green's function method

Optoacoustic (OA) spectral properties of various sources mimicking normal and pathological red blood cells (RBCs) have been studied. The shapes of normal RBC and cells suffering from stomatocytosis (denoted by ST) were generated using mathematical models. However, the shape corresponding to the cells affected by echinocytosis (referred to as ET) was constructed by uniformly distributing half prolate spheroids on a central spherical object. The OA field emitted by an acoustically inhomogeneous source was calculated for a wide acoustic frequency bandwidth (1-1500 MHz with an increment 5 MHz) by solving the time-independent wave equation employing a modified Green's function approach. The OA spectra averaged over 200 orientations for normal RBC and STs demonstrate similar features (one minimum occurring nearly at 906 MHz). The same graphs for ETs are remarkably different from that of normal RBC and exhibit better match with that of a spherical RBC (first minimum appearing at around 425 MHz). The spectral features of ETs above 425 MHz may enable us to differentiate diseased cells (echinocytosis) from normal RBCs.

Variable-focus optoacoustic lens with wide dynamic range and long focal length by using a flexible polymer nano-composite membrane

We demonstrate a variable-focus optoacoustic lens (VFOL) by pneumatically controlling a flexible polymer nano-composite membrane, which can produce laser-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) with a high peak amplitude (>30 MPa) and a tight focal dimension (several hundred μm) over a wide dynamic range of focus variation (>20 mm) together with a long focal length up to 60 mm, each of which is widest and longest among optoacoustic lenses developed so far. Two different designs in lens dimension have been fabricated and characterized: VFOL-L with a 40-mm diameter and VFOL-S with 10 mm. VFOL-L exhibits a wide dynamic range of focal length variation from 38.52 to 60.39 mm with a center frequency near ~ 10 MHz, which is proper for practical long-range applications with several-cm depth. In comparison, VFOL-S covers a focal variation range from 6.75 to 11.1 mm with ~ 14 MHz, producing a relatively higher-pressure amplitude, which allows the inception of acoustic cavitation at an impedance-mismatched boundary. The nano-composite membrane of VFOL is actuated from a planar to deeply curved shape by externally injecting liquid into the VFOL, resulting in a focal gain up to 255 and a positive peak pressure of > 30 MPa in the VFOL-L case. The minimum-geometrical f-number as low as 0.963 is achieved at the shortest focal length (38.52 mm) with 6-dB lateral and axial spot dimensions of 304 μm and 2.86 mm, respectively. We expect that the proposed VFOL-based LGFU with a high peak pressure, a wide dynamic axial range, and a tight focal dimension are suitably applied for depth-dependent characterization of tissues and shockwave treatment, taking advantages of optoacoustic pulses as input with inherent broadband high-frequency characteristics.

Super-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy Using Structured-Illumination

A novel super-resolution volumetric photoacoustic microscopy, based on the theory of structured-illumination, is proposed in this paper. The structured-illumination will be introduced in order to surpass the diffraction limit in a photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) structure. Through optical excitation of the targeted object with a sinusoidal spatial fringe pattern, the object's frequency spectrum is forced to shift in the spatial frequency domain. The shifting in the desired direction leads to the passage of the high-frequency contents of the object through the passband of the acoustic diffraction frequency response. Finally, combining the low-frequency image with the high-frequency parts in four regular orientations in the spatial frequency domain is equivalent to imaging the targeted object with an imaging system of two-fold bandwidth and thus half lateral resolution. In order to obtain the image of out-of-focus regions and improve the lateral resolution outside the focal region of a PAM imaging system, Fourier-domain reconstruction algorithm based on the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) using the virtual detector concept is utilized for reduction in the required computational load and time. The performance of the proposed imaging system is validated with in vivo and ex vivo targets. The experimental results obtained from several tungsten filaments in the depth range of 1.2 mm, show an improvement of -6 dB lateral resolution from 55- [Formula: see text] to 25- [Formula: see text] and also an improvement of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) from 16-22 dB to 27-33 dB in the proposed system.

Generation of high amplitude compressions and rarefactions in a photoacoustically excited droplet

Photoacoustic excitation of a fluid sphere generates an outgoing ultrasonic wave whose time profile permits determination of the density, sound speed, and diameter of the sphere. Experiments with pulsed laser beams have confirmed the major predictions of existing theory. With regard to acoustic waves generated within spheres, although mathematical expressions for their properties are known, virtually no exploration of the waveforms in theory or experiment has taken place. Here, two cases for photoacoustic excitation of a droplet are discussed: first, absorption of radiation in a region of fluid external to the droplet, and, second, absorption of radiation by the droplet itself. Large amplitude transients, compressions in the former and rarefactions in the latter, are generated as the waves approach the center of the sphere. The high amplitudes of the waves suggest shock wave formation.

Real-Time Control of Nanoparticle-Mediated Thermal Therapy Using Photoacoustic Imaging

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to determine whether photoacoustic (PA) thermometry from a commercially available PA imaging system can be used to control the temperature in nanoparticle-mediated thermal therapies.

METHODS

The PA imaging system was interfaced to obtain PA images while scanning ex-vivo tissue. These images were then used to obtain temperature maps in real-time during heating. Validation and calibration of the PA thermometry were done using a fluoroptic thermometer. This thermometer was also used to develop and tune a software-based proportional integral derivative (PID) controller. Finally, a PA-based PID closed-loop controller was used to control gold nanorod (GNR) mediated laser therapy.

RESULTS

The use of GNRs substantially enhanced laser heating; the temperature rise increased 7-fold by injecting a GNR solution with a concentration of 0.029 mg/mL. The control experiments showed that the desired temperature could be achieved and maintained at a targeted location in the ex-vivo tissue. The steady-state mean absolute deviations (MAD) from the targeted temperature during control were between 0.16 [Formula: see text] and 0.5 [Formula: see text], depending on the experiment.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to control hyperthermia treatments using a software-based PID controller and a commercial PA imaging system.

SIGNIFICANCE

The monitoring and control of the temperature in thermal-based therapies are important for assuring a prescribed temperature to the target tissue while minimizing the temperature of the surrounding healthy tissue. This easily implemented non-invasive control system will facilitate the realization of a broad range of hyperthermia treatments.

Lead halide perovskite for efficient optoacoustic conversion and application toward high-resolution ultrasound imaging

Lead halide perovskites have exhibited excellent performance in solar cells, LEDs and detectors. Thermal properties of perovskites, such as heat capacity and thermal conductivity, have rarely been studied and corresponding devices have barely been explored. Considering the high absorption coefficient (104~105 cm-1), low specific heat capacity (296-326 J kg-1 K-1) and small thermal diffusion coefficient (0.145 mm2 s-1), herein we showcase the successful use of perovskite in optoacoustic transducers. The theoretically calculated phonon spectrum shows that the overlap of optical phonons and acoustic phonons leads to the up-conversion of acoustic phonons, and thus results in experimentally measured low thermal diffusion coefficient. The assembled device of PDMS/MAPbI3/PDMS simultaneously achieves broad bandwidths (-6 dB bandwidth: 40.8 MHz; central frequency: 29.2 MHz), and high conversion efficiency (2.97 × 10-2), while all these parameters are the record values for optoacoustic transducers. We also fabricate miniatured devices by assembling perovskite film onto fibers, and clearly resolve the fine structure of fisheyes, which demonstrates the strong competitiveness of perovskite based optoacoustic transducers for ultrasound imaging.

Solving time-independent inhomogeneous optoacoustic wave equation numerically with a modified Green's function approach

The purpose of the paper is twofold. First, a modified Green's function (MGF) approach is described for solving the time-independent inhomogeneous optoacoustic (OA) wave equation. The performance of this technique has been assessed with respect to the exact, traditional Born series and convergent Born series methods for an acoustically inhomogeneous spherical source. Second, we apply the same approach for calculating time domain signal from a blood vessel network consisting of an ensemble of acoustically homogeneous/inhomogeneous randomly positioned disks resembling cells. The predicted signals have been compared with those generated by the exact method and a freely available standard software. The OA spectra for a spherical source demonstrated excellent agreement with the exact results when sound-speed for the source was varied from -20% to 30% compared to that of the surrounding medium. The simulated OA signals also followed the same trend as that of the exclusively used software for the acoustically homogeneous blood vessel network. Future work will focus inclusion of a suitable phase factor within the MGF facilitating OA pulses building up at correct temporal locations for an acoustically inhomogeneous source.

A method for the calibration of wideband ultrasonic sensors for optoacoustics

A method for calibration of ultrasonic sensors for optoacoustics that provides both frequency response and sensitivity is presented. In order to obtain the bandwidth and the frequency response of an uncalibrated sensor, a point source with broadband spectra generated by a laser-induced bubble on a copper wire submerged in water is employed. On the other hand, the sensitivity measurement relies on the spatial symmetry of the pressure pulse and on a calibrated transducer. Therefore, two sensors are employed to detect the pressure pulse at the same distance from the source. The symmetry of the acoustic field that arrives at both transducers is adjusted and verified by means of an optical interferometer that provides a null signal when the copper wire is placed at the right position. The method is tested on the characterization of a thin-film polymeric piezoelectric transducer with a cylindrical focused shape.

Photoacoustic Signal Simulation Using Discrete Particle Approach and its Application in Tomography

A theoretical framework for photoacoustic (PA) signal simulation using a discrete particle approach is discussed, and the tomographic image reconstruction using such signals is reported. Various numerical phantoms in two dimensions were constructed by inserting monodisperse/polydisperse solid circles/disks of uniform strength occupying regular or random locations within the imaging region. In particular, a blood vessel network phantom was simulated by positioning solid circles mimicking red blood cells randomly within the vessel using a Monte Carlo method. The PA signal from a single disk was obtained by numerically evaluating the analytical formula, and then, such signals from many disks were summed up linearly to generate the resultant signals at detector locations. Classical backprojection and time-reversal algorithms were employed to form reconstructed images. Two model-based approaches, namely impulse response-based (IRB) and interpolation-based (IPB) methods, were also deployed for image reconstruction. Some standard parameters were calculated to assess the performance of these reconstruction algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate that the Monte Carlo method can be applied in practice for the fast simulation of tissue realization keeping microscopic details intact, and accordingly, PA signals can be calculated for photoacoustic tomography (PAT) imaging. Furthermore, the IRB technique produces images with superior quality and outperforms other algorithms.

Systematic analysis of frequency dependent differential photoacoustic cross-section data for source size estimation

A frequency dependent differential photoacoustic cross-section (DPACS) over a large frequency band (100-1000 MHz) was computed, and subsequently, morphological parameters of a photoacoustic (PA) source were quantified. The Green's function approach was utilized for calculating the DPACS for spheroidal droplets with varying aspect ratios, Chebyshev particles with different waviness and deformation parameters, and normal red blood cells and cells affected by hereditary disorders (e.g., spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, and stomatocytosis). The theoretical framework considers that PA waves propagate through an acoustically dispersive and absorbing medium and are detected by a planar detector of finite size. The frequency dependent DPACS profile was fitted with tri-axial ellipsoid, finite cylinder, and toroid form factor models to obtain size and shape information of the PA source. The tri-axial ellipsoid form factor model was found to provide better estimates of the shape parameters compared to other models for a variety of sources. The inverse problem framework may motivate developing PA-based technology to assess single-cell morphology.

Numerical solution to the time-independent inhomogeneous photoacoustic wave equation using the Born series methods

The traditional Born series (TBS) and convergent Born series (CBS) methods to numerically solve the time-independent inhomogeneous photoacoustic (PA) wave equation are discussed. The performance of these algorithms is examined for a circular PA source (a disk of radius, a=5µm) in two dimensions. The speed of sound within the source region was gradually decreased from v_s=1950 to 1200 m/s, but the same quantity for the ambient medium was fixed to v_f=1500m/s. The PA fields were calculated over a large frequency band from f=7.3 to 2000 MHz. Accordingly, the wave number (k_f=2πf/v_f) varied from k_f=0.03 to 8.38µm^-1. The TBS method does not offer converging solutions when k_fa≥25 for v_s=1950m/s and k_fa≥9 for v_s=1200m/s. These have been observed in both the near and far fields. However, the solutions for the CBS technique converge in all cases. Both methods facilitate accurate solutions if the computational domain contains a collection of monodisperse/polydisperse disks considered in this study. Our numerical results suggest that the CBS protocol can provide accurate solutions under various test conditions.

A Synthetic Total Impulse Response Characterization Method for Correction of Hand-Held Optoacoustic Images

The impulse response of optoacoustic (photoacoustic) tomographic imaging system depends on several system components, the characteristics of which can influence the quality of reconstructed images. The effect of these system components on reconstruction quality have not been considered in detail so far. Here we combine sparse measurements of the total impulse response (TIR) with a geometric acoustic model to obtain a full characterization of the TIR of a handheld optoacoustic tomography system with concave limited-view acquisition geometry. We then use this synthetic TIR to reconstruct data from phantoms and healthy human volunteers, demonstrating improvements in image resolution and fidelity. The higher accuracy of optoacoustic tomographic reconstruction with TIR correction further improves the diagnostic capability of handheld optoacoustic tomographic systems.

Fluence-matching technique using photoacoustic radiofrequency spectra for improving estimates of oxygen saturation

Photoacoustic (PA) signals encode information about the optical absorption and spatial distribution of absorbing chromophores as well as the light distribution in the medium. The wavelength dependence of the latter affects the accuracy in chromophore quantification, including estimations of oxygen saturation (sO₂) with depth. We propose the use of the ratio of the PA radiofrequency (RF) spectral slopes (SS) at different optical wavelengths to generate frequency filters which can be used to match the fluence profiles across separate images generated with different optical wavelengths. Proof-of-principle experiments were carried on a plastic tube with blood of a known oxygenation inserted into a porcine tissue. The algorithm was tested in-vivo in the hind leg of six CD1 mice, each under three different breathing conditions (100 % O₂, room air and 100 % CO₂). Imaging was done using the VevoLAZR system at the wavelengths 720 and 870 nm. The SS was calculated from the linear fit of the ratio of the photoacoustic RF power spectra at the two wavelengths. An ultrasound frequency filter was designed and applied to each segmented PA signal in the frequency domain and inversely transformed into the time domain to correct for the differences in the fluence profiles at both wavelengths. Linear spectral unmixing was used to estimate sO₂ before and after applying the ultrasound frequency filter. The estimated blood sO₂ in the plastic tube for the porcine tissue experiment improved by 10.3% after applying the frequency filter when compared to the sO₂ measured by a blood gas analyzer. For the in-vivo mouse experiments, the applied sO₂ correction was 2.67, 1.33 and -3.33% for every mm of muscle tissue for mice breathing 100% O₂, room air and 100% CO₂, respectively. The approach presented here provides a new approach for fluence matching that can potentially improve the accuracy of sO₂ estimates by removing the fluence depth dependence at different optical wavelengths.

Photoacoustic simulations of microvascular bleeding: spectral analysis and its application for monitoring vascular-targeted treatments

Solid tumors are typically supplied nutrients by a network of irregular blood vessels. By targeting these vascular networks, it might be possible to hinder cancer growth and metastasis. Vascular disrupting agents induce intertumoral hemorrhaging, making photoacoustic (PA) imaging well positioned to detect bleeding due to its sensitivity to hemoglobin and its various states. We introduce a fractal-based numerical model of intertumoral hemorrhaging to simulate the PA signals from disrupted tumor blood vessels. The fractal model uses bifurcated cylinders to represent vascular trees. To mimic bleeding from blood vessels, hemoglobin diffusion from microvessels was simulated. In the simulations, the PA signals were detected by a linear array transducer (30 MHz center frequency) of four different vascular trees. The power spectrum of each beamformed PA signal was computed and fitted to a straight line within the −6-dB bandwidth of the receiving transducer. The spectral slope and midband fit (MBF) based on the fit decreased by 0.11  dB  /  MHz and 2.12 dB, respectively, 1 h post bleeding, while the y-intercept increased by 1.21 dB. The results suggest that spectral PA analysis can be used to measure changes in the concentration and spatial distribution of hemoglobin in tissue without the need to resolve individual vessels. The simulations support the feasibility of using PA imaging and spectral analysis in cancer treatment monitoring by detecting microvessel disruption.

A Microwave-Induced Thermoacoustic Imaging System With Non-Contact Ultrasound Detection

Portable and easy-to-use imaging systems are in high demand for medical, security screening, nondestructive testing, and sensing applications. We present a new microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging system with non-contact, airborne ultrasound (US) detection. In this system, a 2.7 GHz microwave excitation causes differential heating at interfaces with dielectric contrast, and the resulting US signal via the thermoacoustic effect travels out of the sample to the detector in air at a standoff. The 65 dB interface loss due to the impedance mismatch at the air-sample boundary is overcome with high-sensitivity capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers with minimum detectable pressures (MDPs) as low as 278 μ Pa _rms and we explore two different designs-one operating at a center frequency of 71 kHz and another at a center frequency of 910 kHz. We further demonstrate that the air-sample interface presents a tradeoff with the advantage of improved resolution, as the change in wave velocity at the interface creates a strong focusing effect alongside the attenuation, resulting in axial resolutions more than 10× smaller than that predicted by the traditional speed/bandwidth limit. A piecewise synthetic aperture radar (SAR) algorithm modified for US imaging and enhanced with signal processing techniques is used for image reconstruction, resulting in mm-scale lateral and axial image resolution. Finally, measurements are conducted to verify simulations and demonstrate successful system performance.

Photoacoustic imaging for guidance of interventions in cardiovascular medicine

Imaging guidance is paramount to procedural success in minimally invasive interventions. Catheter-based therapies are the standard of care in the treatment of many cardiac disorders, including coronary artery disease, structural heart disease and electrophysiological conditions. Many of these diseases are caused by, or effect, a change in vasculature or cardiac tissue composition, which can potentially be detected by photoacoustic imaging. This review summarizes the state of the art in photoacoustic imaging approaches that have been proposed for intervention guidance in cardiovascular care. All of these techniques are currently in the preclinical phase. We will conclude with an outlook towards clinical applications.

A versatile dark-field acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscopy system aided by 3D printing

Since the dark-field acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (AR-PAM) was invented over one decade ago, its powerful imaging capability made this system successful. In this work, we designed and tested an AR-PAM system whose key parts are relied on 3D printing and fiber bundles. This new design not only makes it much simpler to develop a robust PAM system, but also the illumination angle is adjustable to aid for different applications. Our simulation study and phantom experiments demonstrated that this design has the comparable performance with traditional dark-field AR-PAM.

Photoacoustic thermorelaxation microscopy for thermal diffusivity measurement

Thermal diffusivity is one of the main parameters to characterize the thermo-physical properties of materials, and advances in its measurement technique will have significant impact on materials science and related applications. Here a photoacoustic (PA) thermorelaxation microscopy is proposed as a new noncontact method to measure the thermal diffusivity. By delivering co-focused heating/probing laser pulse pairs with tunable time delays, the sample's in situ thermal relaxation behavior after the heating pulse excitation can be photoacoustically monitored based on the temperature-dependent property of the Grueneisen parameter. We theoretically deduced the dependence of the obtained PA thermorelaxation time on the thermal diffusivity, and the results coincided well with simulations. The feasibility of this method was validated by various industrial and biological samples. This method provides a new strategy for high-resolution thermal diffusivity measurement with flexible measurement conditions, prefiguring great potential for material and biological applications.

Optoacoustic mesoscopy for biomedicine

Fuelled by innovation, optical microscopy plays a critical role in the life sciences and medicine, from basic discovery to clinical diagnostics. However, optical microscopy is limited by typical penetration depths of a few hundred micrometres for in vivo interrogations in the visible spectrum. Optoacoustic microscopy complements optical microscopy by imaging the absorption of light, but it is similarly limited by penetration depth. In this Review, we summarize progress in the development and applicability of optoacoustic mesoscopy (OPAM); that is, optoacoustic imaging with acoustic resolution and wide-bandwidth ultrasound detection. OPAM extends the capabilities of optical imaging beyond the depths accessible to optical and optoacoustic microscopy, and thus enables new applications. We explain the operational principles of OPAM, its placement as a bridge between optoacoustic microscopy and optoacoustic macroscopy, and its performance in the label-free visualization of tissue pathophysiology, such as inflammation, oxygenation, vascularization and angiogenesis. We also review emerging applications of OPAM in clinical and biological imaging.

Transducer-matched multipulse excitation for signal-to-noise ratio improvement in diode laser-based photoacoustic systems

We analyze transducer-matched multipulse excitation as a method for improving of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for diode laser-based photoacoustic systems. We discuss the principle of the technique, its advantages, and potential drawbacks and perform measurements to analyze the obtainable SNR increase. We show in experiment and computationally that a lower boundary estimate of 1.2 to 1.8 fold SNR improvement can be provided using transducer-matched pulse bursts, depending on the transducer and particular arrangement. Finally, we analyze implications that the transducer resonance effects may have on the recently introduced advanced photoacoustic techniques. The findings are of immediate interest to modalities utilizing dense pulse sequences and systems possessing limited pulse energy. In particular, transducer-matched multipulse excitation may be beneficial for diode-based photoacoustic systems operated with transducers in the range of 1 to 5 MHz since the required hardware is readily available.

Optoacoustic inversion via convolution kernel reconstruction in the paraxial approximation and beyond

In this article we address the numeric inversion of optoacoustic signals to initial stress profiles. Therefore we study a Volterra integral equation of the second kind that describes the shape transformation of propagating stress waves in the paraxial approximation of the underlying wave-equation. Expanding the optoacoustic convolution kernel in terms of a Fourier-series, a best fit to a pair of observed near-field and far-field signals allows to obtain a sequence of expansion coefficients that describe a given "apparative" setup. The resulting effective kernel is used to solve the optoacoustic source reconstruction problem using a Picard-Lindelöf correction scheme. We verify the validity of the proposed inversion protocol for synthetic input signals and explore the feasibility of our approach to also account for the shape transformation of signals beyond the paraxial approximation including the inversion of experimental data stemming from measurements on melanin doped PVA hydrogel tissue phantoms.

Study on angular distribution of differential photoacoustic cross-section and its implication in source size determination

Angular distribution of a differential photoacoustic cross-section (DPACS) has been examined for various nonspherical axisymmetric particles. The DPACS as a function of measurement angle has been computed for spheroidal particles with varying aspect ratios and fitted with a tri-axes ellipsoid form factor model to extract shape parameters. Similar study has been carried out for normal and pathological red blood cells, and fitting has been performed with the tri-axes ellipsoid and finite cylinder form factor models to evaluate cellular morphology. It is found that an enhancement of the DPACS occurs as the surface area of the photoacoustic source normal to the direction of measurement is increased. It decreases as the thickness of the source along the same direction increases. For example, the DPACS for normal erythrocyte along the direction of symmetry is nearly 20 times greater than a pathological cell. Further, the first minimum appears slightly later (≈4°) for a healthy cell compared with that of a diseased cell. Shape information of spheroids can be precisely estimated by the first model. Both models provide accurate estimates of shape parameters for normal red blood cells (errors within 4%). It may be possible to assess cellular morphology from an angular profile of the DPACS using form factor models.

Simultaneous acoustic and photoacoustic microfluidic flow cytometry for label-free analysis

We developed a label-free microfluidic acoustic flow cytometer (AFC) based on interleaved detection of ultrasound backscatter and photoacoustic waves from individual cells and particles flowing through a microfluidic channel. The AFC uses ultra-high frequency ultrasound, which has a center frequency of 375 MHz, corresponding to a wavelength of 4 μm, and a nanosecondpulsed laser, to detect individual cells. We validate the AFC by using it to count different color polystyrene microparticles and comparing the results to data from fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We also identify and count red and white blood cells in a blood sample using the AFC, and observe an excellent agreement with results obtained from FACS. This new label-free, non-destructive technique enables rapid and multi-parametric studies of individual cells of a large heterogeneous population using parameters such as ultrasound backscatter, optical absorption, and physical properties, for cell counting and sizing in biomedical and diagnostics applications.

Impact of sensor apodization on the tangential resolution in photoacoustic tomography

Photoacoustic tomographic (PAT) image reconstruction with apodized sensors is discussed. A Gaussian function was used to model axisymmetric apodization of sensors, and its full width at half-maximum (FWHM) was varied to investigate the role of apodization on the PAT image reconstruction. The well-known conventional delay-and-sum (CDAS) algorithm and recently developed modified delay-and-sum (MDAS) algorithm were implemented to generate reconstructed images. The performances of these algorithms were examined by comparing simulated images formed by these methods and that of ideal point detectors. Simulations in two dimensions were conducted using the k-Wave toolbox for three different phantoms. The results produced by the CDAS method are very close to that of ideal point detectors when the FWHM of the Gaussian function is small. The MDAS algorithm for flat sensors provides excellent results (comparable to that of point detectors) when the FWHM of the Gaussian profile is large. This study elucidates how sensor apodization affects PAT image reconstruction.

Side-Polished Fiber-Optic Line Sensor for High-Frequency Broadband Ultrasound Detection

We demonstrate a side-polished fiber-optic ultrasound sensor (SPFS) with a broad frequency bandwidth (dc⁻46 MHz at 6-dB reduction) and a wide amplitude detection range from several kPa to 4.8 MPa. It also exhibits a high acoustic sensitivity of 426 mV/MPa with a signal-to-noise ratio of 35 dB and a noise-equivalent pressure of 6.6 kPa (over 1⁻50 MHz bandwidth) measured at 7-MHz frequency. The SPFS does not require multi-layer-coated structures that are used in other high-sensitivity optical detectors. Without any coating, this uses a microscale-roughened structure for evanescent-field interaction with an external medium acoustically modulated. Such unique structure allows significantly high sensitivity despite having a small detection area of only 0.016 mm² as a narrow line sensor with a width of 8 μm. The SPFS performance is characterized in terms of acoustic frequency, amplitude responses, and sensitivities that are compared with those of a 1-mm diameter piezoelectric hydrophone used as a reference.

"Guide Star" Assisted Noninvasive Photoacoustic Measurement of Glucose

A novel "guide star" assisted photoacoustic (GSPA) method for noninvasive glucose measurement has been proposed. Instead of receiving PA signals that are directly generated by tissue, a virtual photodiode is employed to amplify the PA signal difference regarding amplitude and peak arrival time caused by glucose concentration variations in an indirect way. Being different from traditional PA spectroscopy, this method can improve sensitivity and accuracy by optimizing optical path lengths (or tissue thickness). On the other hand, being superior to near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, it utilizes both optical absorption and acoustic propagation velocity information confered by PA signals. Theoretical analysis and simulation have been done to illustrate how the concentration change affects the PA waveform. In vitro experiments on aqueous glucose solution were conducted with concentrations varying in human physiological range (50-350 mg/dL). Performance of quartz cuvettes with 1 mm and 2 mm optical path lengths were compared in terms of correlation quality ( R²), degree of agreement (Bland-Altman plot), and clinical accuracy (Clarke's Error Grid analysis) to demonstrate the scalability of sensitivity provided by the indirect method. Longer optical length shows better sensitivity and accuracy in this case. Moreover, detection was also done on human blood serum to further prove the potential of the proposed method for clinical application. Our proposed method provides a solution to enhance sensitivity, facilitating development of portable and low-cost PA sensors with low power laser diodes for noninvasive glucose monitoring and other applications.

A New Method Based on Virtual Fluence Detectors and Software Toolbox for Handheld Spectral Optoacoustic Tomography

A minimal setup for optoacoustic (OA) imaging requires an ultrasound probe and a pulsed laser. Such a system is capable of imaging small blood vessels and is sensitive to variations in their oxygen saturation. However, absolute oxygenation values cannot be obtained without a proper correction for the varying light fluence resulting from the optical attenuation in the surrounding tissue. Other techniques, such as near-infrared optical tomography (NIROT) can be employed to assist OA imaging for fluence compensation. In this paper, we propose using blood vessels as virtual fluence detectors (VD), which serve as light detectors for NIROT image reconstructions. By avoiding the use of real photon detectors, a simpler system could be implemented in a hand-held device comparable in size with conventional ultrasound probes. Even for a low number of VDs it provides increased informational value which, in combination with a large number of light sources, results in precise reconstructions. We define a tomographic inverse problem based on ratios of OA signals measured at several wavelengths where optical properties of VDs, tumor and normal tissue can be reconstructed simultaneously. The use of ratio data effectively removes light source skin coupling errors for the case of emission in a single point, which is required for clinical applications. We have defined the mathematical structure of an inverse problem where chromophore concentrations for normal, tumor and embedded VDs are obtained simultaneously from this ratio data. To test the performance of our approach we show an image reconstruction on a virtual phantom with an embedded tumor in the vicinity of eight blood vessels. We conclude that this limited number of VDs, located in areas of maximum sensitivity result in high quality reconstructions. For the simplest case of a single blood vessel located in a homogeneous tissue, we present a graphical user interface based toolbox for conducting virtual experiments. The toolbox can be used to assist in the design and optimization of suitable hardware for different applications, among which imaging tumor oxygenation and ischemic lesions in the brain of preterm infants are of great clinical value.

Analysis of microcantilevers excited by pulsed-laser-induced photoacoustic waves

This study presents a simulation-based analysis on the excitation of microcantilever in air using pulsed-laser-induced photoacoustic waves. A model was designed and coded to investigate the effects of consecutive photoacoustic waves, arising from a spherical light absorber illuminated by short laser pulses. The consecutiveness of the waves were adjusted with respect to the pulse repetition frequency of the laser to examine their cumulative effects on the oscillation of microcantilever. Using this approach, oscillation characteristics of two rectangular cantilevers with different resonant frequencies (16.9 kHz and 505.7 kHz) were investigated in the presence of the random oscillations. The results show that the effective responses of the microcantilevers to the consecutive photoacoustic waves provide steady-state oscillations, when the pulse repetition frequency matches to the fundamental resonant frequency or its lower harmonics. Another major finding is that being driven by the same photoacoustic pressure value, the high frequency cantilever tend to oscillate at higher amplitudes. Some of the issues emerging from these findings may find application area in atomic force microscopy actuation and photoacoustic signal detection.

Dictionary learning-based reverberation removal enables depth-resolved photoacoustic microscopy of cortical microvasculature in the mouse brain

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) capitalizes on the optical absorption of blood hemoglobin to enable label-free high-contrast imaging of the cerebral microvasculature in vivo. Although time-resolved ultrasonic detection equips PAM with depth-sectioning capability, most of the data at depths are often obscured by acoustic reverberant artifacts from superficial cortical layers and thus unusable. In this paper, we present a first-of-a-kind dictionary learning algorithm to remove the reverberant signal while preserving underlying microvascular anatomy. This algorithm was validated in vitro, using dyed beads embedded in an optically transparent polydimethylsiloxane phantom. Subsequently, we demonstrated in the live mouse brain that the algorithm can suppress reverberant artifacts by 21.0 ± 5.4 dB, enabling depth-resolved PAM up to 500 µm from the brain surface.

Gold nanoparticle nucleated cavitation for enhanced high intensity focused ultrasound therapy

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or focused ultrasound surgery is a non-invasive technique for the treatment of cancerous tissue, which is limited by difficulties in getting real-time feedback on treatment progress and long treatment durations. The formation and activity of acoustic cavitation, specifically inertial cavitation, during HIFU exposures has been demonstrated to enhance heating rates. However, without the introduction of external nuclei its formation an activity can be unpredictable, and potentially counter-productive. In this study, a combination of pulse laser illumination (839 nm), HIFU exposures (3.3 MHz) and plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNR) was demonstrated as a new approach for the guidance and enhancement of HIFU treatments. For imaging, short duration HIFU pulses (10 μs) demonstrated broadband acoustic emissions from AuNR nucleated cavitation with a signal-to-noise ranging from 5-35 dB for peak negative pressures between 1.19-3.19  ±  0.01 MPa. In the absence of either AuNR or laser illumination these emissions were either not present or lower in magnitude (e.g. 5 dB for 3.19 MPa). Continuous wave (CW) HIFU exposures for 15 s, were then used to generate thermal lesions for peak negative pressures from 0.2-2.71  ±  0.01 MPa at a fluence of 3.4 mJ [Formula: see text]. Inertial cavitation dose (ICD) was monitored during all CW exposures, where exposures combined with both laser illumination and AuNRs resulted in the highest level of detectable emissions. This parameter was integrated over the entire exposure to give a metric to compare with measured thermal lesion area, where it was found that a minimum total ICD of [Formula: see text] a.u. was correlated with the formation of thermal lesions in gel phantoms. Furthermore, lesion area (mm²) was increased for equivalent exposures without either AuNRs or laser illumination. Once combined with cancer targeting AuNRs this approach could allow for the future theranostic use of HIFU, such as providing the ability to identify and treat small multi-focal cancerous regions with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Photoacoustic effect generated by moving optical sources: Motion in three dimensions

Although the photoacoustic effect is commonly produced through use of pulsed or amplitude-modulated radiation, it can also be generated by a steady source moving in space. Here, the properties of the photoacoustic effect generated by moving sources in three dimensions are investigated. The mathematics for the moving photoacoustic point source are shown to be closely related to that for derivation of the Lienard-Wiéchert potential for a moving point charge. The cases of rectilinear motion with the speeds lower than, equal to, and greater than the sound speed, as well as a point source oscillating in space are reported. Of note is that a bounded amplification effect is found for a Gaussian source moving at the sound speed, which is in contrast to the unbounded amplification seen in a one-dimensional geometry.

Quantitative comparison of PZT and CMUT probes for photoacoustic imaging: Experimental validation

Photoacoustic (PA) signals are short ultrasound (US) pulses typically characterized by a single-cycle shape, often referred to as N-shape. The spectral content of such wideband signals ranges from a few hundred kilohertz to several tens of megahertz. Typical reception frequency responses of classical piezoelectric US imaging transducers, based on PZT technology, are not sufficiently broadband to fully preserve the entire information contained in PA signals, which are then filtered, thus limiting PA imaging performance. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUT) are rapidly emerging as a valid alternative to conventional PZT transducers in several medical ultrasound imaging applications. As compared to PZT transducers, CMUTs exhibit both higher sensitivity and significantly broader frequency response in reception, making their use attractive in PA imaging applications. This paper explores the advantages of the CMUT larger bandwidth in PA imaging by carrying out an experimental comparative study using various CMUT and PZT probes from different research laboratories and manufacturers. PA acquisitions are performed on a suture wire and on several home-made bimodal phantoms with both PZT and CMUT probes. Three criteria, based on the evaluation of pure receive impulse response, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) respectively, have been used for a quantitative comparison of imaging results. The measured fractional bandwidths of the CMUT arrays are larger compared to PZT probes. Moreover, both SNR and CNR are enhanced by at least 6 dB with CMUT technology. This work highlights the potential of CMUT technology for PA imaging through qualitative and quantitative parameters.

Numerical investigation of nonlinear sound propagation of photoacoustic tomography imaging

Almost all reconstruction methods in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) have been developed by assuming that sound propagation is linear, which is valid for ordinary PAT applications but would become inappropriate when the sound amplitude is higher than a certain threshold level. In the current study, we investigate the effect of nonlinear sound propagation on PAT by using a numerical method which utilizes the time-reversal (TR) technique. In the forward stage, the Euler equations are solved to simulate nonlinear sound propagation, and the flow variables (pressure, velocity and density) are recorded by an array of virtual sensors. The recorded data are used to reconstruct the initial fields within the computational domain by using both linear and nonlinear TR techniques. Furthermore, TR results constructed with and without the recorded flow velocity field, which is difficult to measure for practical applications, have also been compared. The current results show that nonlinear reconstructions produce images with superior clarity, resolution and contrast compared to those reconstructed by the linear method, particularly when the recorded velocity field is used in the reconstruction.

An analytical study of photoacoustic and thermoacoustic generation efficiency towards contrast agent and film design optimization

Photoacoustic (PA) and thermoacoustic (TA) effects have been explored in many applications, such as bio-imaging, laser-induced ultrasound generator, and sensitive electromagnetic (EM) wave film sensor. In this paper, we propose a compact analytical PA/TA generation model to incorporate EM, thermal and mechanical parameters, etc. From the derived analytical model, both intuitive predictions and quantitative simulations are performed. It shows that beyond the EM absorption improvement, there are many other physical parameters that deserve careful consideration when designing contrast agents or film composites, followed by simulation study. Lastly, several sets of experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed analytical model. Overall, the proposed compact model could work as a clear guidance and predication for improved PA/TA contrast agents and film generator/sensor designs in the domain area.

Synthetic aperture focusing technique for photoacoustic endoscopy

Photoacoustic endoscopy (PAE) is a promising tool for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque. In this work, we propose a novel design of a side-viewing PAE probe based on a synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) to enable high transverse resolution over large depth of focus (DOF) along the radial direction. A point-like ultrasonic detector is used to ensure a wide detection angle and thus a large synthetic aperture for SAFT. We first perform numerical simulation to optimize the PAE probe design, which involves the placement of the point-like detector and the diameter of a reflection rod mirror. Then, experiments are conducted based on the optimized probe design. High transverse resolution of 115-190 µm over large DOF of 3.5 mm along the radial direction is experimentally obtained. The SAFT-based PAE holds promise for endoscopic imaging with a high transverse resolution for both the surface and deep regions of tissue.

Quantifying melanin concentration in retinal pigment epithelium using broadband photoacoustic microscopy

Melanin is the dominant light absorber in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The loss of RPE melanin is a sign of ocular senescence and is both a risk factor and a symptom of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Quantifying the RPE melanin concentration provides insight into the pathological role of RPE in ocular aging and the onset and progression of AMD. The main challenge in accurate quantification of RPE melanin concentration is to distinguish this ten-micrometer-thick cell monolayer from the underlying choroid, which also contains melanin but carries different pathognomonic information. In this work, we investigated a three-dimensional photoacoustic microscopic (PAM) method with high axial resolution, empowered by broad acoustic detection bandwidth, to distinguish RPE from choroid and quantify melanin concentrations in the RPE ex vivo. We first conducted numerical simulation on photoacoustic generation in the RPE, which suggested that a PAM system with at least 100-MHz detection bandwidth provided sufficient axial resolution to distinguish the melanin in RPE from that in choroid. Based on simulation results, we integrated a transparent broadband micro-ring resonator (MRR) based detector in a homebuilt PAM system. We imaged ex vivo RPE-choroid complexes (RCCs) from both porcine and human eyes and quantified the absolute melanin concentrations in the RPE and choroid, respectively. In our study, the measured melanin concentrations were 14.7 mg/mL and 17.0 mg/mL in human and porcine RPE, and 12 mg/mL and 61 mg/mL in human and porcine choroid, respectively. This study suggests that broadband PAM is capable of quantifying the RPE melanin concentration from RCCs ex vivo.