Ultrasonic array element multiplexing device and method suitable for photoacoustic imaging system

Abstract

The invention discloses an ultrasonic array element multiplexing device and method suitable for a photoacoustic imaging system. The device comprises an ultrasonic transducer array, an off-axis eccentric wheel and a driving motor; the driving motor is connected with a bearing of the off-axis eccentric wheel and drives the off-axis eccentric wheel to rotate through the bearing; the off-axis eccentric wheel is connected with the ultrasonic transducer array through a pivot; the continuous rotating motion of the driving motor is converted into the reciprocating rotating motion of the ultrasonic transducer array through the oscillation of the off-axis eccentric wheel; the ultrasonic transducer array rotates at equal angles at the same time interval defined by the repetition rate of laser pulses,and a built-in object to be measured receives m laser pulses in a single reciprocating rotary motion period of the ultrasonic transducer array, so that n-time multiplexing of array elements of the ultrasonic transducer array is realized, wherein when n is equal to 2, m is equal to 2; when n is greater than 2, m is equal to 2n; under the condition that the number of array elements and the size ofthe ultrasonic array are not increased, the resolution and definition of photoacoustic imaging are effectively improved.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of photoacoustic imaging, and more particularly relates to an ultrasonic array element multiplexing device and method suitable for a photoacoustic imaging system. Background technique [0002] Photoacoustic imaging is an imaging method based on the photoacoustic effect. In general, photoacoustic imaging requires irradiation of the imaging site with pulsed laser light. A part of the absorbed light energy will be converted into heat energy, causing the nearby tissue to undergo thermoelastic expansion, thereby forming a broadband (megahertz level) ultrasonic emission. This ultrasound can be detected with an ultrasound transducer, which is the main detector used in general contrast-enhanced ultrasound. [0003] To obtain a clear photoacoustic image in a relatively large area, the number of array elements in the ultrasonic transducer must be high enough. Ideally, the element spacing of an ultrasound transducer...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] Aiming at at least one defect or improvement requirement of the prior art, the present invention provides an ultrasonic array element multiplexing device and method suitable for a photoacoustic imaging system, the purpose of which is to solve the problem of high imaging resolution requiring more array elements and Issues with Larger Ultrasound Array Volumes

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