Handheld acousto-optic modulation device and light scattering suppression method

Abstract

The application discloses a handheld acousto-optic modulation device and a light scattering suppression method. The handheld acousto-optic modulation device is used to tightly bond a transparent film on the upper surface to a medium, and to act on the medium by using focused ultrasound, so that the local refractive index of the medium is changed, and the light passing through the medium is regulated by the focused sound field, so that the concentration of light energy in the medium is promoted. The handheld acousto-optic modulation device comprises a handheld base, a handheld top cover, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic holographic lens, a transparent panel, a transparent film and a sealing gasket. The ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens are fixed in the handheld base through a connecting piece. The handheld base and the handheld top cover are connected to each other by screwing. The transparent panel is bonded to the lower surface of the handheld base. The transparent film is bonded to the upper surface of the boss of the handheld top cover. The application can not only regulate the light path in situ in the medium, but also has non-invasiveness and simple operation, and can be applied to light treatment in a portable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of acousto-optic modulation in scattered light control, and relates to a handheld acousto-optic modulation device and a light scattering suppression method. Background Technology

[0002] Non-invasive propagation of visible or near-infrared light through biological tissues has been used in various fields, such as functional and structural medical imaging, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. However, due to strong light scattering within tissues, light energy attenuates significantly during transmission, hindering the ability to deliver light to depths exceeding a few millimeters. Therefore, the effectiveness of light-based methods for imaging, activating, and treating deep tissues remains limited.

[0003] To address these issues, increasing the input power of light can compensate for the intensity loss caused by scattering, but this may result in thermal damage. Implantable optical fibers and gradient refractive index lenses can be used to collect and guide light, effectively concentrating photon energy. However, the invasiveness of these methods limits their application to specific sites within the body.

[0004] Acousto-optic modulation technology is a technique that uses sound waves to modulate the refractive index of light. In existing acousto-optic modulation technologies, the principle of generating standing waves in a resonant cavity is usually used to modulate the light beam. However, in this technology, the transmission direction of ultrasound is perpendicular to the transmission direction of light, and the acousto-optic effect is limited to its complex cavity, resulting in poor flexibility and making it unsuitable for in vivo photoimaging and phototherapy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a handheld acousto-optic modulation device with a simple structure, convenient operation, and fast response speed, as well as a method for reducing light scattering, which can be used to improve the concentration of light energy in a target area.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this invention first proposes a handheld acousto-optic modulator and a light scattering suppression method. The handheld acousto-optic modulator, in use, has a transparent film adhered to its upper surface tightly bonded to a medium. Focused ultrasound is applied to the medium, thereby altering its local refractive index. Light passing through the medium is modulated by the focused sound field, thus promoting the concentration of light energy within the medium. The handheld acousto-optic modulator includes a handheld base, a handheld top cover, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic holographic lens, a transparent panel, a transparent film, and a sealing gasket. The handheld acousto-optic modulator includes a handheld base, a handheld top cover, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic holographic lens, a transparent panel, a transparent film, and a sealing gasket. The ultrasonic transducer and acoustic holographic lens are fastened inside the handheld base via connectors. The handheld base and the handheld top cover are connected by screwing. The transparent panel is adhered to the lower surface of the handheld base. The transparent film is adhered to the upper surface of the raised platform of the handheld top cover.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for suppressing light scattering using a handheld acousto-optic modulator, comprising the following steps:

[0008] Install the ultrasonic transducer at the bottom of the handheld base cavity, place the acoustic holographic lens on the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer, and fix its position with fasteners to prevent it from moving.

[0009] The handheld top cover with a sealing gasket is screwed into the handheld base with an ultrasonic transducer and an acoustic holographic lens until the handheld base touches the sealing gasket, thus forming a sealed cavity.

[0010] Water is injected into the sealed cavity using a syringe through the inlet tube, while the adjacent vent tube vents air, eventually filling the entire cavity with water.

[0011] The transparent film of the handheld acousto-optic modulator is attached tightly to the surface of the medium. The ultrasonic transducer is excited by the excitation module to generate ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves are modulated by the acoustic holographic lens to form a focused sound field in the form of longitudinal waves. The focused sound field acts on the medium, thereby changing the local refractive index of the medium. When light passes through the medium, it will be modulated by the focused sound field, thereby reducing the strong scattering of light in the medium.

[0012] Furthermore, the handheld acousto-optic modulator not only allows for the transmission of spatial light, but can also be integrated with optical fibers.

[0013] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric layer, electrodes, a backing layer, a housing, and wire connectors.

[0014] Furthermore, the piezoelectric layer of the ultrasonic transducer uses piezoelectric ceramic as the piezoelectric material, a gold thin film as the electrode, epoxy resin as the backing layer of the ultrasonic transducer, and brass as the outer shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens have central openings, and the diameters of the circular openings of the ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens are equal. The handheld base, the handheld top cover, the ultrasonic transducer, and the acoustic holographic lens are all coaxially mounted.

[0016] Furthermore, the acoustic holographic lens is designed iteratively using the angular spectrum method to modulate the phase of the ultrasonic wave.

[0017] Furthermore, the handheld base, handheld top cover, and acoustic holographic lens are all manufactured using 3D printing technology. Furthermore, the top of the handheld top cover is a boss with a central opening, and a transparent film is adhered to its upper surface; the handheld base has a central opening, and a transparent panel is adhered to its lower surface.

[0018] Furthermore, after the ultrasonic transducer wires and SMA connectors pass through the hole in the base, the hole is sealed.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the handheld acousto-optic modulation device and light scattering suppression method provided by this invention are as follows: based on the principle of acousto-optic modulation, scattered light can be controlled in situ within the medium, which is non-invasive; by generating a focused sound field in the form of longitudinal waves, coaxial propagation of sound and light is achieved, making it possible to realize acousto-optic modulation in living tissue; the handheld acoustic holographic device is easy to operate and has good robustness, providing a simple and effective strategy for in vivo phototherapy. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the handheld acousto-optic modulation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer and acoustic holographic lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of using a handheld acousto-optic modulator to suppress light scattering, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This invention provides a verification of the effectiveness of using a handheld acousto-optic modulation device in photodynamic experiments. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] A handheld acousto-optic modulation device, such as Figure 1 As shown in Figure a, the handheld acoustic-optical modulation device consists of an ultrasonic transducer 1, an acoustic holographic lens 2, a handheld top cover 3, a handheld base 4, a transparent film 5, a transparent panel 6, and a sealing gasket 7.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown in b, the ultrasonic transducer 1 and the acoustic holographic lens 2 are fixed inside the handheld base 4. The transparent panel 6 is bonded to the lower surface of the handheld base, and the transparent film 5 is bonded to the upper surface of the raised platform of the handheld top cover. The handheld top cover 3 and the handheld base 4 are connected by screwing each other together and sealed with a sealing gasket 7. The handheld base 4 has openings on the side and is connected to the water inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe respectively.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic transducer consists of a piezoelectric layer 8, electrodes 9, a backing layer 10, a housing 11, and an SMA connector 12. The piezoelectric layer 8 uses PZT-4 ceramic as the piezoelectric material, the electrodes 9 use a gold film, the backing layer 10 uses epoxy resin, and the housing 11 uses brass. The SMA connector 12 is connected via wires and can be integrated with an external active control program to achieve electrical connection of the transducer.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the acoustic holographic lens is designed using the iterative angular spectrum method. Based on the different thickness distribution of each pixel on the surface of the acoustic lens, the ultrasonic beam is controlled, which can precisely control the amplitude and phase of the sound field to form a focused sound field.

[0031] Preferably, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens have central openings to allow light to pass through, and the diameters of the circular openings of the ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens are equal. The handheld base, the handheld top cover, the ultrasonic transducer, and the acoustic holographic lens are all coaxially mounted, and their central holes are all concentric.

[0032] Preferably, in this embodiment, the top of the handheld top cover is a boss with a central opening, and a transparent film is adhered to the upper surface; the handheld base has a central opening, and a transparent panel is adhered to the lower surface.

[0033] Preferably, in this embodiment, the handheld base has an opening at the bottom to allow the ultrasonic transducer wires and SMA connectors to pass through.

[0034] Preferably, in this embodiment, after the ultrasonic transducer wire and SMA connector pass through the hole in the base, the hole is sealed.

[0035] Preferably, in this embodiment, the handheld base, handheld top cover, and acoustic holographic lens model are all manufactured using 3D printing technology.

[0036] See Figure 3 This invention discloses a method for suppressing light scattering using a handheld acousto-optic modulator, comprising the following steps:

[0037] S1: Install the ultrasonic transducer at the bottom of the handheld base cavity, place the acoustic holographic lens on the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer, and fix its position with fasteners to prevent it from moving.

[0038] S2: Screw the handheld top cover with the sealing gasket onto the handheld base with the ultrasonic transducer and acoustic holographic lens until the handheld base touches the sealing gasket, thus forming a sealed cavity.

[0039] S3: Use a syringe to inject water into the sealed cavity through the water inlet tube, while the adjacent vent tube vents the air, eventually filling the entire cavity with water.

[0040] S4: The transparent film of the handheld acousto-optic modulator is attached tightly to the surface of the medium. The excitation module is used to excite the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves are modulated by the acoustic holographic lens to form a focused sound field in the form of longitudinal waves. The focused sound field acts on the medium, thereby changing the local refractive index of the medium. When light passes through the medium, it will be modulated by the focused sound field, thereby promoting the concentration of light energy in the medium.

[0041] Preferably, in this embodiment, a handheld acousto-optic modulator is used in a photodynamic experiment. By monitoring the yield of singlet oxygen, it is demonstrated that the handheld acousto-optic modulator's suppression effect on light scattering can be used to enhance the efficiency of phototherapy.

[0042] Preferably, in this embodiment, the photodynamic experiment involves attaching a medium with scattering properties to the transparent film of a handheld acousto-optic modulator, placing a photosensitizer solution on the medium, and generating singlet oxygen when light passes through the medium and combines with the photosensitizer. Using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) as a fluorescent probe, DPBF reacts with singlet oxygen, and the reaction is irreversible. In this embodiment, the yield of singlet oxygen is characterized by monitoring the change in absorbance of DPBF.

[0043] The rate of decrease in absorbance of DPBF in photodynamic experiments is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, due to the suppression of light scattering by the portable acousto-optic modulator, photon energy is concentrated in the target area, causing the photosensitizer to generate more singlet oxygen, and DPBF to react with more singlet oxygen. This embodiment demonstrates that handheld acousto-optic modulators can be applied to phototherapy and improve its efficiency by reducing light scattering.

[0044] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the implementation methods of the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. 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 modifications and improvements are all protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld acousto-optic modulation device, characterized in that, The handheld acousto-optic modulator includes a handheld base, a handheld top cover, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic holographic lens, a transparent panel, a transparent film, and a sealing gasket. The ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens are fastened to the inside of the handheld base via connectors. The handheld base and the handheld top cover are connected to each other by screwing. The transparent panel is adhered to the lower surface of the handheld base. The transparent film is adhered to the upper surface of the raised platform of the handheld top cover. When in use, the handheld acousto-optic modulator has the transparent film adhered to the upper surface tightly attached to the medium. Focused ultrasound is applied to the medium, thereby changing the local refractive index of the medium. When light passes through the medium, it is modulated by the focused sound field, thereby promoting the concentration of light energy in the medium.

2. A method for suppressing light scattering using the handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Install the ultrasonic transducer at the bottom of the handheld base cavity, place the acoustic holographic lens on the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer, and fix its position with fasteners to prevent it from moving. (2) Screw the handheld top cover with the sealing gasket onto the handheld base with the ultrasonic transducer and acoustic holographic lens until the handheld base touches the sealing gasket, thus forming a sealed cavity. (3) Use a syringe to inject water into the sealed cavity through the water inlet tube; (4) The transparent film of the handheld acousto-optic modulator is attached tightly to the surface of the medium. The excitation module is used to excite the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves are modulated by the acoustic holographic lens to form a longitudinal wave focused sound field. The focused sound field acts on the medium, thereby changing the local refractive index of the medium. When the light passes through the medium, it will be modulated by the focused sound field, thereby reducing the strong scattering of light in the medium.

3. The handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handheld acousto-optic modulator allows for the transmission of spatial light or integration with optical fibers.

4. The handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric layer, electrodes, a backing layer, a housing, and wire connectors.

5. A handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The piezoelectric layer of the ultrasonic transducer uses piezoelectric ceramic as the piezoelectric material, a gold thin film as the electrode, epoxy resin as the backing layer of the ultrasonic transducer, and brass as the outer shell.

6. A handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens have central openings, and the diameters of the circular openings of the ultrasonic transducer and the acoustic holographic lens are equal. The handheld base, the handheld top cover, the ultrasonic transducer, and the acoustic holographic lens are all coaxially mounted.

7. A handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic holographic lens is designed iteratively using the angular spectrum method and is used to modulate the phase of ultrasonic waves.

8. A handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handheld base, handheld top cover, and acoustic holographic lens are all manufactured using 3D printing technology.

9. A handheld acousto-optic modulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the handheld top cover is a boss with a central opening, and a transparent film is glued to the upper surface. The handheld base has a central opening and a transparent panel is glued to the lower surface.

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