Ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

This application provides an ultrasound imaging system, comprising: a probe, an excitation ultrasound device, a detection ultrasound device, and an imaging device. The excitation ultrasound device is connected to the probe and is used to send a first laser beam to the probe. The probe is used to send ultrasonic wave arrays with different focusing ranges to a target object based on the first laser beam. The ultrasonic wave array includes multiple ultrasonic waves. The probe is also used to receive the ultrasonic echo obtained after the target object reflects the ultrasonic waves. The detection ultrasound device is connected to the probe and is used to send a second laser beam to the probe, so that the second laser beam is reflected by the ultrasonic echo as a detection laser beam. The detection ultrasound device is also used to receive the detection laser beam. The imaging device is connected to the detection ultrasound device and is used to process and image the detection laser beam. The ultrasound imaging system provided by this application can achieve higher sensitivity and wider angle ultrasound imaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and more particularly to an ultrasound imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of ultrasound technology, ultrasound imaging has become of great significance in preoperative diagnosis.

[0003] In traditional technologies, ultrasonic imaging is generally achieved by using piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers for intracavitary imaging. However, this technology has problems such as low ultrasonic detection sensitivity, great susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, difficulty in impedance matching, and large signal attenuation.

[0004] It is evident that current ultrasound imaging technology suffers from problems such as low sensitivity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, in order to solve the problems in traditional technologies, this application proposes an ultrasonic imaging system that can achieve higher transmission bandwidth, higher sensitivity, and large-angle ultrasonic imaging.

[0006] An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that the system comprises: a probe, an ultrasound excitation device, an ultrasound detection device, and an imaging device, wherein,

[0007] The ultrasonic excitation device is connected to the probe and is used to send a first laser to the probe;

[0008] The probe is used to send ultrasonic waves with different focusing ranges to the object to be detected according to the first laser. The ultrasonic waves include multiple ultrasonic waves. The probe is also used to receive the ultrasonic echo obtained after the object to be detected reflects the ultrasonic waves.

[0009] The ultrasonic detection device is connected to the probe and is used to send a second laser to the probe so that the second laser is reflected as a detection laser under the action of the ultrasonic echo. The ultrasonic detection device is also used to receive the detection laser.

[0010] The imaging device is connected to the detection ultrasound device and is used to process and image the detection laser.

[0011] In one embodiment, the probe includes:

[0012] Multiple array elements are arranged in a ring. The array elements are used to convert the first laser into the ultrasonic wave and to reflect the second laser into the detection laser.

[0013] In one embodiment, the array element includes: a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a photoacoustic conversion material, and a Fabry-Perot cavity, wherein,

[0014] The first optical fiber wraps around the second optical fiber, the second laser propagates in the second optical fiber, and the first laser propagates in the first optical fiber;

[0015] The photoacoustic conversion material is disposed at the end of the first optical fiber near the object to be detected, and the photoacoustic conversion material is used to convert the first laser into the ultrasonic wave.

[0016] The Fabry-Perot cavity is located at the end of the second optical fiber near the object to be detected. The Fabry-Perot cavity is used to deform under the action of the ultrasonic echo so that the second laser is reflected by the Fabry-Perot cavity to obtain the detection laser.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic excitation device includes: a pulsed laser, a first optical beam splitter, and a delay controller, wherein,

[0018] The pulsed laser is used to generate pulsed laser light;

[0019] The first optical beam splitter is used to split the pulsed laser into multiple beams of the first laser;

[0020] A delay controller is used to send each beam of the first laser to each of the array elements in turn, so that each array element sends the ultrasonic wave to the object to be detected in turn, forming ultrasonic arrays with different focusing ranges, and each array element receives one beam of the first laser.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection device includes: a tunable laser, a second optical beam splitter, and an optical fiber circulator, wherein,

[0022] The tunable laser is used to emit a continuous probe laser;

[0023] The second beam splitter is used to split the continuous probe laser into multiple beams of the second laser;

[0024] The fiber optic circulator is used to output the second laser to the second optical fiber and to output the detection laser to the imaging device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the imaging device includes: a photodetector, a signal amplifier, a data acquisition card, and a computer, wherein,

[0026] The photodetector is used to receive the detection laser and convert the optical signal of the detection laser into an electrical signal.

[0027] The signal amplifier is used to increase the strength of the electrical signal;

[0028] The data acquisition card is used to acquire the electrical signal output by the signal amplifier and quantize the electrical signal into a digital signal;

[0029] The computer is used to receive the digital signals and perform data processing and ultrasound imaging on the digital signals.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ultrasound-exciting device further includes:

[0031] A first fiber optic coupler, connected to the delay controller and the first fiber, is used to couple the first laser into the first fiber.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ultrasound detection device further includes:

[0033] A second fiber coupler, connected to the second optical beam splitter and the fiber circulator, is used to couple the second laser into the fiber circulator.

[0034] In one embodiment, the photoacoustic conversion material is a metal thin film or an ultrathin carbon composite material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the system further includes a drive device connected to the probe, the drive device being used to control the movement of the probe.

[0036] The aforementioned ultrasound imaging system includes: a probe, an excitation ultrasound device, a detection ultrasound device, and an imaging device. The excitation ultrasound device is connected to the probe and is used to send a first laser beam to the probe. The probe is used to send ultrasonic wave arrays with different focusing ranges to the object to be detected based on the first laser beam. The ultrasonic wave array includes multiple ultrasonic waves. The probe is also used to receive the ultrasonic echo obtained after the object to be detected reflects the ultrasonic waves. The detection ultrasound device is connected to the probe and is used to send a second laser beam to the probe, so that the second laser beam is reflected as a detection laser beam under the action of the ultrasonic echo. The detection ultrasound device is also used to receive the detection laser beam. The imaging device is connected to the detection ultrasound device and is used to process and image the detection laser beam. The ultrasonic imaging system provided in this application controls the first laser entering the probe to be converted into ultrasonic wave arrays with different focusing ranges by using an ultrasonic excitation device and a ultrasonic detection device. This increases the angle and range of ultrasonic detection, so that the probe receives the ultrasonic waves reflected from the object to be detected and obtains ultrasonic echoes. Based on the change in the phase or power spectrum of the second laser caused by the ultrasonic echo, a detection laser is obtained. The imaging device receives the detection laser and obtains measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be detected. Based on the measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be detected, an image of the object to be detected is generated, which can achieve ultrasonic imaging with higher sensitivity and a larger angle. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the array element arrangement structure in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0041] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used solely to distinguish the objects being described and do not have any sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages). It should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, this application provides an ultrasonic imaging system 10. The ultrasonic imaging system 10 includes a probe 110, an ultrasonic excitation device 120, an ultrasonic detection device 130, and an imaging device 140. The ultrasonic excitation device 120 is connected to the probe 110 and is used to send a first laser beam to the probe 110. The probe 110 is used to send ultrasonic wave arrays with different focusing ranges to the object to be detected according to the first laser beam. The ultrasonic wave array includes multiple ultrasonic waves. The probe 110 is also used to receive the ultrasonic echo obtained after the ultrasonic waves are reflected by the object to be detected. The ultrasonic detection device 130 is connected to the probe 110 and is used to send a second laser beam to the probe 110, so that the second laser beam is reflected as a detection laser beam under the action of the ultrasonic echo. The ultrasonic detection device 130 is also used to receive the detection laser beam. The imaging device 140 is connected to the ultrasonic detection device 130. The imaging device 140 is used to process and image the detection laser beam.

[0044] The object to be detected is the target tissue requiring ultrasound imaging, such as blood vessels, bronchi, esophagus, duodenum, and heart chambers within a living organism. Probe 110 is an ultrasound scanning probe capable of receiving multiple first laser beams emitted by the excitation ultrasound device 120 and multiple second laser beams emitted by the detection ultrasound device 130. Probe 110 converts the first laser beams into ultrasound waves, and the multiple ultrasound waves generated from the first laser beams form an ultrasound array. The excitation ultrasound device 120 can control the emission of the multiple second laser beams by adjusting certain rules and timing to effectively control the shape and direction of the ultrasound array emitted by probe 110, enabling beam scanning, deflection, and focusing of ultrasound waves, thereby sending ultrasound arrays with different focusing ranges to the object to be detected. The object to be detected reflects the ultrasound waves as ultrasound echoes. Probe 110 receives these echoes, and the second laser beams received by probe 110 from the detection ultrasound device 130 can change their phase or power spectrum under the influence of the ultrasound echoes, resulting in detection laser beams reflected back to the detection ultrasound device 130. The imaging device 140 receives the detection laser sent by the detection ultrasound device 130 and measures the detection beam to obtain measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be detected. Based on the measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be detected, an ultrasound image of the object to be detected is generated.

[0045] For example, the diameter of probe 110 can be 0.5mm to 1.5mm, and the length of probe 110 can be 0.2mm to 10mm. Specifically, the diameter of probe 110 can be 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.1mm, 1.3mm, or 1.5mm, and the length of probe 110 can be 0.2mm, 1.2mm, 2.2mm, 3.2mm, 4.2mm, 5.2mm, 6.2mm, 7.2mm, 8.2mm, or 9.2mm. Probe 110 needs to move through narrow objects, requiring it to be small and short. Therefore, if the diameter of the probe 110 is too small, it is not conducive to the processing of the internal structure; if it is too large, it is not conducive to movement and rotation in small objects. At the same time, an excessively large probe also increases the amount of material to be prepared, which is not conducive to reducing costs. Therefore, controlling the diameter of the probe 110 to satisfy the above relationship is beneficial for the movement of the probe 110 in narrow objects to obtain more information about the object's environment, while also helping to control costs. On the other hand, if the probe 110 is too short, it is not conducive to preparation; if it is too long, it cannot pass through objects with curved structures and is prone to damaging the object. Therefore, controlling the length of the probe 110 to satisfy the above relationship is beneficial for the movement of the probe 110 in the object to obtain more information about the object's environment and facilitate imaging.

[0046] The ultrasonic imaging system 10 provided in this application controls the first laser entering the probe 110 to be converted into ultrasonic wave arrays with different focusing ranges by exciting the ultrasonic device 120 and detecting the ultrasonic device 130. This increases the angle and range of ultrasonic detection, so that the probe 110 receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object to be detected and obtains ultrasonic echoes. Based on the change of the phase or power spectrum of the second laser by the ultrasonic echo, a detection laser is obtained. The imaging device 140 receives the detection laser and obtains measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be detected. Based on the measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be detected, an image of the object to be detected is generated, which can achieve ultrasonic imaging with higher sensitivity and larger angle.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the probe 110 includes multiple array elements 111. The multiple array elements 111 are arranged in a ring. The array elements 111 are used to convert the first laser into ultrasonic waves and also to reflect the second laser as a detection laser.

[0048] The probe 110 may further include a housing 112, and multiple array elements 111 may be disposed inside the housing 112. For example, the probe 110 may contain 64 array elements 111 arranged in a circular pattern. Each array element 112 has both transmitting and receiving functions. The interior of each array element 112 is configured as a laser path, and the first laser beam passing through the array element 112 is converted into ultrasonic waves through photoacoustic effects and transmitted outwards and focused onto the object to be detected. The 64 array elements can achieve different focusing ranges through different delays. The multiple array elements 111 constitute a phased array, and each array element 111 can independently transmit or receive ultrasonic waves and can be controlled according to certain rules and timing sequences, thereby adjusting and controlling the focal point position and focusing direction to form a focused sound field.

[0049] It should be noted that the use of 64 array elements 111 is only an example of an embodiment of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure does not specifically limit the number of array elements 111. Any number that can achieve a complete arrangement around the probe is applicable to this disclosure.

[0050] Traditional all-optical ultrasound imaging technology mostly employs lateral scanning, offering high lateral resolution and resistance to electromagnetic interference. However, the forward scanning method in all-optical ultrasound requires specialized techniques for probe deflection. Traditional phased array ultrasound scanning uses piezoelectric crystals, based on an electro-acoustic-electro-electric energy conversion process, which is relatively complex and has poor resistance to electromagnetic interference. In this embodiment, multiple array elements 111 arranged in a ring within the probe 110 are combined with all-optical and phased array technologies, enabling the ultrasound imaging system 10 to possess excellent resolution and resistance to electromagnetic interference.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, array element 111 includes a first optical fiber 101, a second optical fiber 102, a photoacoustic conversion material 113, and a Fabry-Perot cavity 114. The first optical fiber 101 wraps around the second optical fiber 102. A second laser beam propagates in the second optical fiber 102, while the first laser beam propagates in the first optical fiber 101. The photoacoustic conversion material 113 is disposed at the end of the first optical fiber near the object to be detected. The photoacoustic conversion material 113 is used to convert the first laser beam into ultrasonic waves. The Fabry-Perot cavity 114 is disposed at the end of the second optical fiber 102 near the object to be detected. The Fabry-Perot cavity 114 is used to deform under the action of the ultrasonic echo, so that the second laser beam is reflected by the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 to obtain the detection laser beam.

[0052] For example, each array element 111 employs a double-clad fiber structure, with a first fiber 101 wrapping a second fiber 102. The distal end of the second fiber 102 is a Fabry-Perot cavity 114, and the distal end of the first fiber 101 is a photoacoustic conversion material 113. Each array element 111 can both transmit and receive ultrasound. Ultrasonic transmission is achieved by a first laser emanating from the outer layer of the fiber core in the double-clad fiber, i.e., the first fiber 101. Ultrasonic reception is achieved by a second laser emanating from the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 and the fiber core, i.e., the second fiber 102. The photoacoustic conversion material 113 covers the distal end of the probe 110, excluding the portion with the Fabry-Perot cavity 114. The first laser irradiates the surface of the photoacoustic conversion material 113 through the first fiber 101. The photoacoustic conversion material 113 converts light energy into sound energy through the photoacoustic effect, i.e., efficiently converting the first laser into ultrasound. The ultrasonic echo reflected back from the object to be detected hits the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 on the array element 111, causing the cavity of the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 to deform. The Fabry-Perot cavity 114 acts as an optical sensor, allowing the second laser to be irradiated on the surface of the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 through the second optical fiber 102 and reflected by the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 as a detection laser. Compared with the second laser, the phase or power spectrum of the detection laser changes. The detection laser is transmitted in the form of a laser through the second optical fiber 102 in a lossless manner to the detection ultrasonic device 130, and then to the imaging device 140, so that the imaging device 140 receives the sensing information of the detection laser response on the Fabry-Perot cavity 114.

[0053] For example, the design parameters of multiple array elements 111 can be shown in Table 1 below.

[0054] Table 1 Array element design parameters

[0055]

[0056] In this embodiment, the photosensitivity of optical fiber materials and the non-conductive nature of optical fibers transmitting optical signals enable the probe 110 to possess excellent passive electrical characteristics. Furthermore, the influence of spatially varying electric and magnetic fields on the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 is extremely weak, thus eliminating electromagnetic interference. On the other hand, the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 has a higher sensitivity per unit area than piezoelectric transducers. For example, a piezoelectric element with a diameter of 1 mm for intra-object ultrasonic detection can provide an equivalent pressure of 1.8 kPa, while the fiber-optic sensor Fabry-Perot cavity 114 can provide an equivalent pressure of 100 Pa with a sensing area of ​​only 0.13 × 0.27 mm². It can be understood that compared to piezoelectric crystals based on electro-acoustic-electric energy conversion processes in conventional technologies, this embodiment improves sensitivity and electromagnetic interference resistance by using the above-described array element 111 structure and a fully optical structure.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic excitation device 120 includes a pulsed laser 125, a first optical beam splitter 123, and a delay controller 122. The pulsed laser 125 generates pulsed laser light. The first optical beam splitter 123 splits the pulsed laser light into multiple first laser beams. The delay controller 122 sequentially sends each first laser beam to each array element 111, so that each array element 111 sequentially sends ultrasonic waves to the object to be detected, forming ultrasonic arrays with different focusing ranges. Each array element 111 receives one first laser beam.

[0058] Specifically, the pulsed laser 125 emits pulsed laser light, and the first optical beam splitter 123 splits the single pulsed laser light into multiple first laser beams, each of which retains the characteristics of the original pulsed laser. The delay controller 122 sequentially controls the activation of each array element 111, coupling specific first laser beams to their corresponding array elements 111 according to a certain timing rule. The ultrasonic waves emitted by all array elements 111 form a unified wavefront, i.e., the ultrasonic wavefront. The delay controller 122 can effectively control the shape and direction of the ultrasonic wavefront emitted towards the object to be detected, enabling beam scanning, deflection, and focusing of the ultrasonic waves.

[0059] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by using a delay controller 122 to sequentially control the activation of each array element 111, the shape and direction of the ultrasonic wave array emitted toward the object to be detected can be effectively controlled, and the ultrasonic wave beam scanning, deflection and focusing can be realized, thereby achieving higher transmission bandwidth, higher sensitivity and large-angle ultrasonic imaging.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasound detection device 130 includes a tunable laser 135, a second optical beam splitter 133, and an optical fiber circulator 131. The tunable laser 135 emits a continuous probe laser. The second optical beam splitter 133 splits the continuous probe laser into multiple second laser beams. The optical fiber circulator 131 outputs the second laser beams to a second optical fiber 102 and also outputs the detection laser beams to an imaging device 140.

[0061] Specifically, the tunable laser 135 can emit a continuous probe laser with a variable wavelength or frequency. The second optical beam splitter 133 is used to split the single continuous probe laser into multiple second laser beams, each of which retains the characteristics of the original continuous probe laser. The fiber optic circulator 131 enables bidirectional optical signal transmission over a single fiber. Ends 1-2 of the fiber optic circulator 131 can output the second laser beams to the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 of the array element 111. Ends 2-3 of the fiber optic circulator 131 can transmit the detection laser reflected back from the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 to the imaging device 140 in a lossless manner.

[0062] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by designing the ultrasonic detection device 130, array element 111, imaging device 140, etc., a full optical ultrasonic imaging is realized, which has the advantages of high resolution, large detection depth, high sensitivity, and strong anti-interference ability. It solves the shortcomings of traditional technology based on piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers for intracavity imaging, namely, low ultrasonic detection sensitivity, great influence of electromagnetic interference, difficulty in impedance matching, and large signal attenuation.

[0063] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 140 includes a photodetector 141, a signal amplifier 142, a data acquisition card 143, and a computer 144. The photodetector 141 receives the detection laser and converts the optical signal of the detection laser into an electrical signal. The signal amplifier 142 increases the intensity of the electrical signal. The data acquisition card 143 acquires the electrical signal output from the signal amplifier 142 and quantizes the electrical signal into a digital signal. The computer 144 receives the digital signal and performs data processing and ultrasound imaging on the digital signal.

[0064] Specifically, the imaging device 140 is used for data processing and imaging using the output data of the photodetector 141. The signal amplifier 142 is used to increase the strength of the electrical signal and enhance the communication capability of the imaging device 140. The data acquisition card 143 is used to acquire and quantize the analog electrical signal output from the signal amplifier 142 into a digital signal, and import it into the computer 144. The computer 144 is used for subsequent digital signal processing and for two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging.

[0065] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection laser transmitted by the detection ultrasound device 130 is processed and imaged by the imaging device 140 to achieve a full optical ultrasound imaging, which has the advantages of high resolution, large detection depth, high sensitivity and strong anti-interference ability.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic excitation device 120 also includes a first fiber optic coupler 121. The first fiber optic coupler 121 is connected to the delay controller 122 and the first optical fiber 101. The first fiber optic coupler 121 is used to couple the first laser into the first optical fiber 101.

[0067] Specifically, the first fiber coupler 121 is an optical device used to distribute or combine optical signal power between different optical fibers. The ultrasonic excitation device 120 may also include a first beam shaping system 124, which is used to change the spatial distribution of beam energy.

[0068] For example, during an ultrasound examination, the probe 110 can be inserted into the object to be examined. The pulsed laser 125 emits pulsed laser light, which passes sequentially through the beam shaping system 124 and the first optical beam splitter 123. Then, the delay controller 122 controls the activation of each array element 111 in turn, and finally the specific first laser light is coupled to the corresponding array element 111 through the first optical fiber coupler 121. In each array element 111, a first laser beam irradiates a photoacoustic conversion material 113 along the channel of a first optical fiber 101. The photoacoustic conversion material 113 can be a nanoscale metal thin film or an ultrathin carbon composite material. The photoacoustic conversion material 113 converts light energy into sound energy, efficiently converts its energy into ultrasonic waves through the photoacoustic effect, and projects and focuses the ultrasonic wave segment onto a preset area within the object to be detected. For example, it can be projected onto the object to be detected or other objects within the object to be detected. The ultrasonic echo reflected from the preset area hits the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 at the far end of the array element 111, causing the cavity to deform and be detected by the ultrasonic detection device 130, and then transmitted to the imaging device 140.

[0069] In this embodiment, an all-optical ultrasonic imaging structure is adopted, which enables the ultrasonic imaging system 10 to have advantages such as high resolution, large detection depth, high sensitivity, and strong anti-interference ability.

[0070] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic detection device 130 also includes a second fiber optic coupler 132. The second fiber optic coupler 132 is connected to the second optical beam splitter 133 and the fiber optic circulator 131, and is used to couple the second laser into the fiber optic circulator 131.

[0071] Specifically, the second fiber coupler 132 is an optical device used to distribute or combine optical signal power between different optical fibers. The ultrasonic detection device 130 may also include a second beam shaping system 134, which is used to change the spatial distribution of beam energy.

[0072] For example, a continuous probe laser beam emitted by a tunable laser 135 passes sequentially through a second beam shaping system 134, a second optical beam splitter 133, and then is coupled into the optical fiber of an optical fiber circulator 131 via a second optical fiber coupler 132. The optical fiber outputs the second laser beam through ends 1-2 of the optical fiber circulator 131 to the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 of the array element 111. The Fabry-Perot cavity 114, acting as an optical sensor, transmits the responded sensing information in the form of laser light through the second optical fiber 102 and ends 2-3 of the optical fiber circulator 131 in a lossless manner to the imaging device 140.

[0073] In this embodiment, an all-optical ultrasonic imaging structure is adopted, which enables the ultrasonic imaging system 10 to have advantages such as high resolution, large detection depth, high sensitivity, and strong anti-interference ability.

[0074] In one embodiment, the photoacoustic conversion material is a metal thin film or an ultrathin carbon composite material.

[0075] Specifically, the photoacoustic conversion material 113 in the array element 111 may include a metal thin film or an ultrathin carbon composite material, and the metal thin film and the ultrathin carbon composite material are preferably in the nanoscale.

[0076] In this embodiment of the disclosure, since ultrasonic waves generated by optical means have a wider bandwidth than ultrasonic waves generated by electrical means, by setting a photoacoustic conversion material 113 in the ultrasonic imaging system 10, ultrasonic imaging with a higher transmission bandwidth can be achieved, thereby improving the sensitivity of ultrasonic imaging.

[0077] In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging system 10 further includes a drive device. The drive device is connected to the probe 110 and is used to control the movement of the probe 110.

[0078] For example, in endoscopic ultrasound imaging, endoscopic probes are generally divided into two types: mechanically rotating and phased array. The probe 110 can be a phased array type, and the driving device can control the advance and retraction of the probe 110. Furthermore, the driving device can drive the probe 110 to move at a speed of 0.1 mm / s to 10 mm / s. This ensures the image quality of the acquired image and saves imaging time. If the speed is below the lower limit, the slow advance and retraction speed will increase the overall imaging time, while the fast advance and retraction speed will reduce the quality of the three-dimensional image.

[0079] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement and retraction of the probe 110 are controlled by a driving device, which ensures the image quality of the generated ultrasound image and saves imaging time.

[0080] To facilitate further understanding, this application provides a complete embodiment. The ultrasonic imaging system 10 provided in this embodiment combines phased array and all-optical technology, and is an all-optical ultrasonic phased array imaging system. The ultrasonic imaging system 10 includes a probe 110, an ultrasonic excitation device 120, an ultrasonic detection device 130, and an imaging device 140. The probe 110 includes a housing 112 and multiple built-in array elements 111, each array element 111 being composed of double-clad optical fibers and responsible for transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The ultrasonic excitation device 120 controls the array elements 111 to pass through a first laser through a delay controller 122, exciting the surface of the photoacoustic conversion material 113, causing the first laser to generate ultrasonic waves on the surface of the photoacoustic conversion material 113. The ultrasonic waves irradiate the target object, generating ultrasonic echoes. The ultrasonic detection device 130, based on the change in the Fabry-Perot cavity 114 caused by the ultrasonic echo, alters the phase or power spectrum of the second laser, obtaining a detection laser. This change is then converted into an electrical signal by a photodetector 141, amplified, and transmitted to a data acquisition card 143, and finally transmitted to a computer 144 for ultrasonic imaging. This application provides a miniaturized, all-optical ultrasound imaging method with high bandwidth and high detection sensitivity, allowing for high-resolution pulse-echo ultrasound imaging of soft tissues, which is of great significance to the field of ultrasound imaging.

[0081] In this embodiment, by using an ultrasonic excitation device 120 and an ultrasonic detection device 130, a first laser is controlled to irradiate the surface of a photoacoustic conversion material 113 according to certain rules and timing, causing the first laser to generate ultrasonic waves on the surface of the photoacoustic conversion material 113. The ultrasonic waves are then directed into the target object to be imaged, generating ultrasonic echoes. A detection beam is obtained based on the change in the phase or power spectrum of the second laser caused by the ultrasonic echo. The detection beam is the reflected beam of the second laser on the Fabry-Perot cavity 114, which is deformed due to the ultrasonic echo. The detection beam is received and measured to obtain measurement data along the depth direction of the object to be imaged. An image of the object to be imaged is generated based on the measurement data along the depth direction of the object, enabling higher transmission bandwidth, higher sensitivity, and large-angle ultrasonic imaging.

[0082] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention. Although the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, The system includes: a probe, an ultrasonic excitation device, an ultrasonic detection device, and an imaging device, wherein, The ultrasonic excitation device is connected to the probe and is used to send a first laser to the probe; The probe is used to send ultrasonic waves with different focusing ranges to the object to be detected according to the first laser. The ultrasonic waves include multiple ultrasonic waves. The probe is also used to receive the ultrasonic echo obtained after the object to be detected reflects the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic detection device is connected to the probe and is used to send a second laser to the probe so that the second laser is reflected as a detection laser under the action of the ultrasonic echo. The ultrasonic detection device is also used to receive the detection laser. The imaging device is connected to the detection ultrasound device and is used to process and image the detection laser. The probe includes multiple array elements arranged in a ring. The array elements are used to convert the first laser into the ultrasonic wave and to reflect the second laser into the detection laser. The ultrasonic detection device includes: a delay controller, used to send each beam of the first laser to each of the array elements in turn, so that each array element sends the ultrasonic wave to the object to be detected in turn, forming ultrasonic arrays with different focusing ranges, and each array element receives one beam of the first laser. The array element includes: a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a photoacoustic conversion material, and a Fabry-Perot cavity, wherein, The first optical fiber wraps around the second optical fiber, the second laser propagates in the second optical fiber, and the first laser propagates in the first optical fiber; The photoacoustic conversion material is disposed at the end of the first optical fiber near the object to be detected, and the photoacoustic conversion material is used to convert the first laser into the ultrasonic wave. The Fabry-Perot cavity is located at the end of the second optical fiber near the object to be detected. The Fabry-Perot cavity is used to deform under the action of the ultrasonic echo so that the second laser is reflected by the Fabry-Perot cavity to obtain the detection laser.

2. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic excitation device includes: a pulsed laser and a first optical beam splitter, wherein... The pulsed laser is used to generate pulsed laser light; The first optical beam splitter is used to split the pulsed laser into multiple beams of the first laser.

3. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic testing device includes: a tunable laser, a second optical beam splitter, and an optical fiber circulator, wherein... The tunable laser is used to emit a continuous probe laser; The second beam splitter is used to split the continuous probe laser into multiple beams of the second laser; The fiber optic circulator is used to output the second laser to the second optical fiber and to output the detection laser to the imaging device.

4. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging device includes: a photodetector, a signal amplifier, a data acquisition card, and a computer, wherein, The photodetector is used to receive the detection laser and convert the optical signal of the detection laser into an electrical signal. The signal amplifier is used to increase the strength of the electrical signal; The data acquisition card is used to acquire the electrical signal output by the signal amplifier and quantize the electrical signal into a digital signal; The computer is used to receive the digital signals and perform data processing and ultrasound imaging on the digital signals.

5. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ultrasonic excitation device further includes: A first fiber optic coupler, connected to the delay controller and the first fiber, is used to couple the first laser into the first fiber.

6. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detection device also includes: A second fiber coupler, connected to the second optical beam splitter and the fiber circulator, is used to couple the second laser into the fiber circulator.

7. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The photoacoustic conversion material is a metal thin film or an ultrathin carbon composite material.

8. The ultrasound imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a drive device connected to the probe, which is used to control the movement of the probe.

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