An ultrasonic photoacoustic multi-mode imaging transducer

Abstract

This application provides an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer, comprising: a first transmitting device; an ultrasonic beam region formed between a first side of the first transmitting device and a target area; a second transmitting device; the first transmitting device having a light-transmitting portion extending from the first side of the first transmitting device through a second side of the first transmitting device; the second transmitting device being disposed on the second side of the first transmitting device, forming a beam region between the second transmitting device and the target area, the beam region passing through the light-transmitting portion and partially overlapping with the ultrasonic beam region. Through the design of the light-transmitting portion in the first transmitting device, this application allows the beam emitted by the second transmitting device to directly irradiate the target area through the light-transmitting portion, while simultaneously the ultrasonic beam emitted by the first transmitting device also irradiates the target area, effectively overlapping the beam and ultrasonic beam action areas, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation. Furthermore, the device designed in this way is smaller and more convenient to operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of transducer devices, specifically to an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound-photoacoustic multimodal imaging is an advanced imaging technology that combines ultrasound imaging and photoacoustic imaging. It can provide more comprehensive information about biological tissues and has been applied in many fields such as cardiovascular research, drug metabolism research, and tumor research.

[0003] However, existing ultrasound-photoacoustic multimode imaging systems irradiate the target tissue with a laser at an angle along both sides of the ultrasound transducer, and then use the ultrasound transducer to receive the target tissue signal. This method not only results in a large device size, but also easily produces imaging blind spots. Furthermore, it requires frequent adjustment of the alignment position of the transducer and laser. In addition, the laser transmission path is longer than that of ultrasound, which leads to optical attenuation and a reduction in the imaging signal-to-noise ratio.

[0004] Application content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] An ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer includes:

[0007] A first transmitting device is used to emit at least one ultrasonic beam to a target region; an ultrasonic beam region is formed between a first side of the first transmitting device and the target region.

[0008] A second transmitting device is used to emit at least one light beam to the target area; the first transmitting device has a light-transmitting portion that extends from a first side of the first transmitting device through a second side of the first transmitting device; the second transmitting device is disposed on the second side of the first transmitting device, and a light beam area is formed between the second transmitting device and the target area, the light beam area passing through the light-transmitting portion and partially overlapping with the ultrasonic beam area.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the first transmitting device includes a plurality of ultrasonic array elements for emitting ultrasonic beams, at least a portion of the ultrasonic array elements having light-transmitting characteristics, and the ultrasonic array elements having light-transmitting characteristics constitute the light-transmitting part.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the plurality of ultrasonic array elements include a plurality of first ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting characteristics, and the plurality of first ultrasonic array elements together constitute the light-transmitting part.

[0011] The ultrasonic array elements may include multiple first ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting characteristics and multiple second ultrasonic array elements with non-light-transmitting characteristics. At least a portion of the first ultrasonic array elements are distributed in the middle region of the first transmitting device, and all the first ultrasonic array elements together constitute the light-transmitting part; at least a portion of the second ultrasonic array elements are distributed in the edge region of the first transmitting device.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, each of the ultrasonic array elements has a piezoelectric conversion layer and at least one electrode layer, at least one of the electrode layers being connected to the piezoelectric conversion layer, and the piezoelectric conversion layer having light-transmitting properties, or the piezoelectric conversion layer and at least one of the electrode layers having light-transmitting properties.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, the ultrasonic array element further includes a backing layer and / or a matching layer, the matching layer and the backing layer also having light-transmitting properties, and the piezoelectric conversion layer and the electrode layer are located between the matching layer and the backing layer.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, a multi-element array is formed by arranging multiple ultrasonic array elements, and the multi-element array is distributed in the form of a linear array, convex array, concave array, matrix, ring, or circular array.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the second transmitting device includes an optical fiber protection tube and multiple optical fibers for emitting a light beam, wherein the optical fiber protection tube wraps around the multiple optical fibers; the projection of the multiple optical fibers onto the first transmitting device is a first projection, and the first projection is located in the light-transmitting part;

[0016] Multiple optical fibers emit light beams to a first side of the first transmitting device to form a second projection on the first side of the first transmitting device. The second projection is also located in the light-transmitting part, so that the light beam emitted by each optical fiber passes through the light-transmitting part to reach the target area; wherein the first projection is located within the second projection.

[0017] In one specific embodiment, the device further includes a housing, in which the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device are disposed. The first transmitting device and the second transmitting device are arranged along the height direction of the housing, and there is a preset distance between the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device.

[0018] In one specific embodiment, the housing has an opening for the passage of the first and second transmitting devices, with a first side of the first transmitting device facing the opening; the center of the first transmitting device, the center of the second transmitting device, and the center of the opening are located on the same straight line.

[0019] In one specific embodiment, the first transmitting device emits at least one ultrasonic beam to the target area to form a first coverage area in the target area, and the second transmitting device emits at least one light beam to the target area to form a second coverage area in the target area, wherein the first coverage area is located within the second coverage area.

[0020] This application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] This application provides an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer, comprising: a first transmitting device for emitting at least one ultrasonic beam to a target area; an ultrasonic beam region being formed between a first side of the first transmitting device and the target area; a second transmitting device for emitting at least one light beam to the target area; the first transmitting device having a light-transmitting portion extending from the first side of the first transmitting device through a second side of the first transmitting device; the second transmitting device being disposed on the second side of the first transmitting device, forming a light beam region between the second transmitting device and the target area, the light beam region passing through the light-transmitting portion and partially overlapping with the ultrasonic beam region. Through the design of the light-transmitting portion in the first transmitting device, this application allows the light beam emitted by the second transmitting device to directly irradiate the target area through the light-transmitting portion, while the ultrasonic beam emitted by the first transmitting device also irradiates the target area, effectively overlapping the areas of action of the light beam and the ultrasonic beam, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation. Furthermore, the device designed in this way is smaller and easier to operate.

[0022] Furthermore, the first transmitting device includes multiple ultrasonic array elements for emitting ultrasonic beams. At least a portion of the ultrasonic array elements have light-transmitting characteristics, and the ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting characteristics constitute a light-transmitting part. By employing at least a portion of ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting characteristics, this application enables the beam emitted by the second transmitting device to effectively pass through and irradiate the target area. At the same time, the ultrasonic beam emitted by the first transmitting device also irradiates the target area, so that the beam and ultrasonic beam action areas effectively overlap, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation. Moreover, the device under this design is smaller in size and more convenient to operate.

[0023] Furthermore, the second transmitting device includes an optical fiber protection tube and multiple optical fibers for emitting beams. The optical fiber protection tube encloses the multiple optical fibers. The projection of the multiple optical fibers onto the first transmitting device is a first projection, which is located in the light-transmitting part. The multiple optical fibers emit beams to a first side of the first transmitting device, forming a second projection on the first side of the first transmitting device. The second projection is also located in the light-transmitting part, so that the beam emitted by each optical fiber passes through the light-transmitting part to reach the target area. The first projection is located within the second projection. This application effectively protects the flexible optical fibers by providing an optical fiber protection tube, preventing damage to the optical fibers. At the same time, through spatial design, the first projection of the multiple optical fibers on the first transmitting device is completely located in the light-transmitting part. The beam will disperse during the emission process, causing the dispersed second projection to cover the first projection. The area of ​​the second projection is larger than the area of ​​the first projection. Therefore, this application also completely locates the second projection of the beam emitted by the multiple optical fibers onto the first transmitting device in the light-transmitting part, so that the beam emitted by each optical fiber can pass through the light-transmitting part to reach the target area. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic beam region and the beam region of the ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 Side view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 Side view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of existing ultrasound-photoacoustic multimodal imaging equipment Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of existing ultrasound-photoacoustic multimodal imaging equipment Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application. Figure 3 ;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application. Figure 4 ;

[0034] Figure 10 Side view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application Figure 3 ;

[0035] Figure 11 Side view of an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to this application Figure 3 .

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 1-First launching device; 2-Second launching device; 3-Outer casing; 4-Target area;

[0038] 5 - First projection; 6 - Second projection;

[0039] 11-Light-transmitting part; 101-First side; 102-Second side;

[0040] 112 - Ultrasonic array element; 113 - First ultrasonic array element; 114 - Second ultrasonic array element;

[0041] 1121 - Matching layer; 1122 - Piezoelectric conversion layer; 1123 - First electrode layer; 1124 - Second electrode layer;

[0042] 1125 - First electrode lead; 1126 - Second electrode lead; 1127 - Backing layer;

[0043] 13-Ultrasonic beam region;

[0044] 21-Fiber optic protection tube; 22-Fiber optic cable; 23-Beam area;

[0045] 31 - Opening; 32 - First space; 33 - Second space; 34 - Passageway;

[0046] 14 - First Coverage Area;

[0047] 24 - Second coverage area. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Various embodiments of this application will be described more fully below. This application may have various embodiments, and adjustments and changes may be made therein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the various embodiments of this application to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather this application should be understood to cover all adjustments, equivalents, and / or alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of this application.

[0049] In the following, the terms “comprising” or “may include” as used in the various embodiments of this application indicate the presence of the disclosed functions, operations, or elements, and do not limit the addition of one or more functions, operations, or elements. Furthermore, as used in the various embodiments of this application, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and their cognates are intended only to indicate a particular feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination of the foregoing, and should not be construed as primarily excluding the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of the foregoing, or the possibility of adding one or more combinations of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations of the foregoing.

[0050] like Figure 4 , 5 The existing ultrasonic photoacoustic multimodal imaging system shown has a first transmitting device 1 and a second transmitting device 2 that are separately configured. The second transmitting device 2 is tilted to illuminate the target area. This design has the disadvantage of large size; among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second emitting device 2 illuminates the target area at an inclined angle, which easily creates imaging blind spots. This necessitates frequent alignment of the first emitting device 1 and the second emitting device 2, making operation very inconvenient. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, although the target area 4 can be covered by adjusting the alignment of the first launching device 1 and the second launching device 2, the addition of the second launching device 2 further increases the size of the equipment and raises the cost.

[0051] Based on this, this application provides an ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer, such as... Figure 1As shown, the ultrasonic photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer includes: a first transmitting device 1 for emitting at least one ultrasonic beam to a target region 4; an ultrasonic beam region 13 is formed between a first side 101 of the first transmitting device 1 and the target region 4; a second transmitting device 2 for emitting at least one light beam to the target region 4; the first transmitting device 1 has a light-transmitting part 11, which extends from the first side 101 through a second side 102 of the first transmitting device 1; the second transmitting device 2 is disposed on the second side 102 of the first transmitting device 1, and a light beam region 23 is formed between the second transmitting device 2 and the target region 4, the light beam region 23 passing through the light-transmitting part 11 and partially overlapping with the ultrasonic beam region 13. This application, through the design of the light-transmitting part 11 in the first transmitting device 1, allows the light beam emitted by the second transmitting device 2 to directly irradiate the target region 4 through the light-transmitting part 11, while the ultrasonic beam emitted by the first transmitting device 1 also irradiates the target region 4, effectively overlapping the areas of action of the light beam and the ultrasonic beam, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation. Furthermore, the device with this design is smaller and more convenient to operate.

[0052] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 6, the first transmitting device 1 includes a plurality of ultrasonic array elements 112 for emitting ultrasonic beams. The plurality of ultrasonic array elements 112 are spaced apart on the backing layer 1127. At least a portion of the ultrasonic array elements 112 have light-transmitting characteristics. The ultrasonic array elements 112 with light-transmitting characteristics constitute the light-transmitting part 11. By employing at least a portion of the ultrasonic array elements 112 with light-transmitting characteristics, this application enables the beam emitted by the second transmitting device 2 to effectively pass through and irradiate the target area 4. At the same time, the ultrasonic beam emitted by the first transmitting device 1 also irradiates the target area 4, so that the beam and the ultrasonic beam's effective area overlap effectively, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation. Moreover, the device under this design is smaller in size and more convenient to operate.

[0053] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 include multiple first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics, and the multiple first ultrasonic array elements 113 together constitute the light-transmitting part 11.

[0054] The multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 may include multiple first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics and multiple second ultrasonic array elements 114 with non-light-transmitting characteristics. At least a portion of the first ultrasonic array elements 113 are distributed in the middle region of the first transmitting device 1, and all the first ultrasonic array elements 113 together constitute the light-transmitting part 11; at least a portion of the second ultrasonic array elements 114 are distributed in the edge region of the first transmitting device 1. For example, Figure 3As shown, the central region extends from the center to the edge along the length direction of the first launching device 1 and penetrates the first launching device 1 along the height direction; the edge region is the area of ​​the first launching device 1 other than the central region.

[0055] In one embodiment, the multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 include multiple first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics. The multiple first ultrasonic array elements 113 together constitute the light-transmitting part 11. By using first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics for all ultrasonic array elements 112, the light beam can pass through better.

[0056] In another embodiment, such as Figure 3 , 11 As shown, the multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 include multiple first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics and multiple second ultrasonic array elements 114 with non-light-transmitting characteristics. All first ultrasonic array elements 113 are distributed in the middle region of the first transmitting device 1, and all first ultrasonic array elements 113 together constitute the light-transmitting part 11. All second ultrasonic array elements 114 are distributed in the edge region of the first transmitting device 1. By using first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics for a portion of the ultrasonic array elements 112 and second ultrasonic array elements 114 with non-light-transmitting characteristics for another portion of the ultrasonic array elements 112, the first ultrasonic array elements 113 allow light of specific wavelengths to pass through, thereby reducing interference to the surrounding environment. At the same time, the second ultrasonic array elements 114 can more effectively shield external noise and interference signals, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and performance stability of the transducer.

[0057] In other embodiments, the plurality of ultrasonic array elements 112 include a plurality of first ultrasonic array elements 113 with light-transmitting characteristics and a plurality of second ultrasonic array elements 114 with non-light-transmitting characteristics. A portion of the middle region of the first transmitting device 1 is provided with the first ultrasonic array elements 113, and another portion of the middle region of the first transmitting device 1 is provided with the first ultrasonic array elements 113 and the second ultrasonic array elements 114 in an alternating manner.

[0058] like Figure 2 , 11 As shown, each ultrasonic array element 112 has a piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 and at least one electrode layer. The at least one electrode layer is connected to the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122. The piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 has light-transmitting properties, or both the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 and at least one electrode layer have light-transmitting properties. The first transmitting device 1 in this structure is a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric material of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 enables the mutual conversion between electrical signals and acoustic signals. Furthermore, by setting the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, or the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 and at least one electrode layer, to have light-transmitting properties, the light beam can pass through better, thereby effectively overlapping the action area of ​​the light beam and the ultrasonic beam, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation.

[0059] The piezoelectric conversion layer can be a piezoelectric material layer or other material layers. The first transmitting device 1 is not limited to a piezoelectric transducer, but can also be a device such as a magnetostrictive transducer.

[0060] like Figure 2 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the ultrasonic array element 112 also includes a backing layer 1127 and / or a matching layer 1121. The matching layer 1121 and the backing layer 1127 also have light-transmitting properties. When the ultrasonic array element 112 also includes a backing layer 1127 and a matching layer 1121, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 and the electrode layer are located between the matching layer 1121 and the backing layer 1127.

[0061] Specifically, at least one electrode layer includes a first electrode layer 1123 and a second electrode layer 1124. A matching layer 1121, a first electrode layer 1123, a piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, a second electrode layer 1124, and a backing layer 111 are stacked in sequence. The matching layer 1121, the first electrode layer 1123, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, the second electrode layer 1124, and the backing layer 111 together constitute the light-transmitting portion 11; or the matching layer 1121, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, and the backing layer 111 are stacked in sequence, with at least one electrode layer located on the side of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122. The matching layer 1121, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, and the backing layer 111 together constitute the light-transmitting portion 11.

[0062] The primary function of the matching layer 1121 is to achieve acoustic matching between the ultrasonic transducer and the target region 4. Since the acoustic impedance of piezoelectric materials is typically much higher than that of human tissue, sound waves experience significant energy loss when entering the tissue. Therefore, this application improves the utilization rate of sound wave energy by adjusting the acoustic impedance of the matching layer 1121 through its adjustment of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 to the target region 4 (such as human tissue). Simultaneously, the matching layer 1121 also protects the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 from contamination or damage in the working environment. This helps extend the transducer's lifespan and maintain its performance stability.

[0063] The piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 utilizes the piezoelectric effect to achieve the mutual conversion between electrical signals and acoustic signals. When the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 receives an electrical signal, it vibrates in the thickness direction and generates an acoustic signal; conversely, when the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 is subjected to an acoustic signal, it generates an electrical signal for output.

[0064] The electrode layer provides the required electrical signal to the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122. This application ensures effective transmission of electrical signals by tightly attaching the first electrode layer 1123 and the second electrode layer 1124 to the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122. At the same time, the first electrode layer 1123 is provided with a first electrode lead 1125, and the second electrode layer 1124 is provided with a second electrode lead 1126. The first electrode lead 1125 and the second electrode lead 1126 extend in a direction away from the first side 101 of the first transmitting device 1, so that the first electrode lead 1125 and the second electrode lead 1126 can be better connected to external devices.

[0065] Wherein, at least one electrode layer includes a first electrode layer 1123 and a second electrode layer 1124. The first electrode layer 1123 is provided with a first electrode lead 1125, and the second electrode layer 1124 is provided with a second electrode lead 1126. The first electrode lead 1125 and the second electrode lead 1126 extend in a direction away from the first side 101 of the first transmitting device 1.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the matching layer 1121, the first electrode layer 1123, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, the second electrode layer 1124, and the backing layer 111 are stacked sequentially. The matching layer 1121, the first electrode layer 1123, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, the second electrode layer 1124, and the backing layer 111 together constitute the light-transmitting part 11. In this application, by placing the first electrode layer 1123 on the side of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 near the backing layer 1127 and placing the second electrode layer 1124 on the side of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 near the matching layer 1121, the contact area between the first electrode layer 1123, the second electrode layer 1124, and the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 is increased to ensure effective transmission of electrical signals. Furthermore, by using the matching layer 1121, the first electrode layer 1123, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, the second electrode layer 1124, and the backing layer 111 together as the light-transmitting part 11, the light beam can be better transmitted.

[0067] In another embodiment, the matching layer 1121, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, and the backing layer 111 are stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer 1123 and the second electrode layer 1124 are located on the side of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122. The matching layer 1121, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, and the backing layer 111 together constitute the light-transmitting part 11. By setting the first electrode layer 1123 and the second electrode layer 1124 on the side of the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, the first electrode layer 1123 and the second electrode layer 1124 are avoided from blocking the light beam. Therefore, only the matching layer 1121, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122, and the backing layer 111 need to be used together as the light-transmitting part 11. It is not necessary to use materials with light-transmitting properties for the first electrode layer 1123 and the second electrode layer 1124, thereby reducing the use of light-transmitting materials.

[0068] A multi-element array is composed of multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 arranged in a linear array, convex array, concave array, matrix, ring, or circular array. Specifically, the multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 are arranged in a combination where the matching layer 1121 of each adjacent ultrasonic array element 112 is separated, the piezoelectric conversion layer 1122 of each adjacent ultrasonic array element 112 is separated, and the backing layer 1127 of each adjacent ultrasonic array element 112 is connected. This application arranges multiple ultrasonic array elements 112 to form a multi-element array so that, in practical applications, the shape of the multi-element array can be comprehensively considered according to specific needs to achieve optimal performance and effect and meet the requirements of different application scenarios.

[0069] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown in Figures 1 and 10, the second transmitting device 2 includes an optical fiber protection tube 21 and multiple optical fibers 22 for transmitting beams. The optical fiber protection tube 21 wraps around the multiple optical fibers. The projection of the multiple optical fibers 22 onto the first transmitting device 1 is the first projection 5, which is located in the light-transmitting part 11.

[0070] Multiple optical fibers 22 emit beams to the first side 101 of the first transmitting device 1, so as to form a second projection 6 on the first side 101 of the first transmitting device 1. The second projection 6 is also located in the light-transmitting part 11, so that the beam emitted by each optical fiber 22 passes through the light-transmitting part 11 to reach the target area 4; wherein, the first projection 5 is located within the second projection 6.

[0071] This application effectively protects the flexible optical fiber 22 by providing an optical fiber protection tube 21, preventing damage to the optical fiber 22. At the same time, through spatial design, multiple optical fibers 22 are positioned so that the first projection 5 of the first transmitting device 1 is completely located in the light-transmitting part 11. Since the beam will disperse during the emission process, its first projection 5 is located within the second projection 6, and the area of ​​the second projection 6 is larger than the area of ​​the first projection 5. Therefore, this application also positions the beam emitted by multiple optical fibers 22 to the second projection 6 of the first transmitting device so that the beam emitted by each optical fiber 22 can pass through the light-transmitting part 11 to reach the target area.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, the ultrasonic photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer of this application also includes a housing 3. The first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2 are disposed inside the housing 3. The first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2 are disposed along the height direction of the housing 3, and there is a preset distance d between the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2. By setting a preset distance d between the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2, this application avoids interference between the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2, and at the same time, it also facilitates the heat dissipation of the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2.

[0073] In one embodiment, the preset distance d is not greater than the thickness h of the first transmitting device 1. When the preset distance between the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2 is not greater than the thickness of the first transmitting device 1, it can not only satisfy the rationality of space, but also effectively avoid interference between the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2, so that the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2 are relatively independent.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the housing 3 has an opening 31 for the passage of the first transmitting device 1 and the second transmitting device 2, with the first side 101 of the first transmitting device 1 facing the opening 31; the center B of the first transmitting device 1, the center A of the second transmitting device 2, and the center C of the opening 31 are located on the same straight line. By aligning the centers of the first transmitting device 1, the second transmitting device 2, and the opening 31 on the same straight line, this application allows for better overlap between the ultrasonic beam region 13 formed by the first transmitting device 1 and the beam region 23 formed by the second transmitting device 2, thereby avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation.

[0075] Among them, such as Figure 6 , 7 As shown, there is a first space 32 between the first transmitting device 1 and the inner wall of the outer shell 3, and a second space 33 between the second transmitting device 2 and the inner wall of the outer shell 3. The first space 32 and the second space 33 are connected and form a channel 34 for the passage of the first electrode lead 1125 and the second electrode lead 1126. By reserving a channel 34 for the passage of the first electrode lead 1125 and the second electrode lead 1126, this application makes the space design more reasonable and the structure safer and more reliable.

[0076] Multiple heat dissipation holes are provided on the outer casing 3, and these holes are arranged along the periphery of the outer casing 3. The design of the heat dissipation holes is to dissipate heat from the inside of the transducer, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the device.

[0077] The first transmitting device 1 emits at least one ultrasonic beam to the target area 4 to form a first coverage area 14 in the target area 4, and the second transmitting device 2 emits at least one light beam to the target area 4 to form a second coverage area 24 in the target area 4. The first coverage area 14 is located within the second coverage area 24, and the ratio of the area of ​​the first coverage area 14 to the area of ​​the second coverage area 24 is between 0.6 and 1, so that the areas of action of the light beam and the ultrasonic beam effectively overlap, avoiding imaging blind spots and optical attenuation. Moreover, the device under this design is smaller in size and more convenient to operate.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams of a preferred embodiment, and the modules or processes shown in the drawings are not necessarily essential for implementing this application.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the modules in the apparatus of the implementation scenario can be distributed within the apparatus of the implementation scenario as described, or they can be located in one or more apparatuses different from this implementation scenario, with corresponding changes. The modules of the above-described implementation scenario can be combined into one module, or they can be further divided into multiple sub-modules.

[0080] The serial numbers in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the implementation scenario.

[0081] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer, characterized in that, include: A first transmitting device is used to transmit at least one ultrasonic beam to a target area; An ultrasonic beam region is formed between the first side of the first transmitting device and the target region; A second transmitting device is used to emit at least one light beam to the target area; the first transmitting device has a light-transmitting portion that extends from a first side of the first transmitting device through a second side of the first transmitting device; the second transmitting device is disposed on the second side of the first transmitting device, and a light beam area is formed between the second transmitting device and the target area, the light beam area passing through the light-transmitting portion and partially overlapping with the ultrasonic beam area.

2. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmitting device includes a plurality of ultrasonic array elements for emitting ultrasonic beams, at least a portion of which have light-transmitting properties, and the ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting properties constitute the light-transmitting part.

3. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of ultrasonic array elements include a plurality of first ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting characteristics, and the plurality of first ultrasonic array elements together constitute the light-transmitting part. The ultrasonic array elements may include multiple first ultrasonic array elements with light-transmitting characteristics and multiple second ultrasonic array elements with non-light-transmitting characteristics. At least a portion of the first ultrasonic array elements are distributed in the middle region of the first transmitting device, and all the first ultrasonic array elements together constitute the light-transmitting part; at least a portion of the second ultrasonic array elements are distributed in the edge region of the first transmitting device.

4. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the ultrasonic array elements has a piezoelectric conversion layer and at least one electrode layer, with at least one electrode layer connected to the piezoelectric conversion layer. The piezoelectric conversion layer has light-transmitting properties, or the piezoelectric conversion layer and at least one electrode layer have light-transmitting properties.

5. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ultrasonic array element further includes a backing layer and / or a matching layer, the matching layer and the backing layer also having light-transmitting properties, and the piezoelectric conversion layer and the electrode layer are located between the matching layer and the backing layer.

6. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that, A multi-element array composed of multiple ultrasonic array elements, wherein the multi-element array is distributed in the form of a linear array, convex array, concave array, matrix, ring, or circular array.

7. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transmitting device includes an optical fiber protection tube and multiple optical fibers for emitting a light beam. The optical fiber protection tube wraps around the multiple optical fibers. The projection of the multiple optical fibers onto the first transmitting device is a first projection, which is located in the light-transmitting part. Multiple optical fibers emit light beams to a first side of the first transmitting device to form a second projection on the first side of the first transmitting device. The second projection is also located in the light-transmitting part, so that the light beam emitted by each optical fiber passes through the light-transmitting part to reach the target area; wherein the first projection is located within the second projection.

8. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, in which the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device are disposed, the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device are disposed along the height direction of the housing, and there is a preset distance between the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device.

9. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing has an opening for the passage of the first and second launching devices, with a first side of the first launching device facing the opening; the center of the first launching device, the center of the second launching device, and the center of the opening are on the same straight line.

10. The ultrasonic-photoacoustic multimode imaging transducer according to claim 1, wherein the first transmitting device emits at least one ultrasonic beam to the target region to form a first coverage area in the target region, and the second transmitting device emits at least one light beam to the target region to form a second coverage area in the target region, wherein the first coverage area is located within the second coverage area.

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