Photoacoustic-ultrasound fusion probe device and manufacturing method therefor

A thin-film transparent ultrasound transducer with a polymer-based acoustic mirror and optical prism structure addresses the challenge of integrating ultrasound and optical coherence imaging in intravascular catheters, ensuring high-performance and reliable imaging within a reduced diameter.

WO2026127610A1 Publication Date: 2026-06-18POSTECH ACADEMY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
POSTECH ACADEMY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
Filing Date
2025-12-09
Publication Date
2026-06-18

AI Technical Summary

⚠Technical Problem

Conventional intravascular imaging catheters face challenges in simultaneously integrating ultrasound and optical coherence imaging within a limited probe diameter and length, leading to degraded image quality and increased false signals due to perforations for optical path creation.

⚗Method used

The use of a thin-film transparent ultrasound transducer with a polymer-based acoustic mirror and optical prism structure, aligned to minimize diameter and maintain performance, along with a manufacturing method that integrates optical and acoustic paths efficiently.

🎯Benefits of technology

This approach enables high-performance, reliable imaging with reduced probe diameter, maintaining signal quality and resolution while allowing coaxial placement of both imaging modalities.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Disclosed are a photoacoustic-ultrasound fusion probe device and a manufacturing method therefor, wherein the diameter of an ultra-compact photoacoustic-ultrasound fusion probe can be efficiently reduced when a transparent ultrasonic transducer is used. The ultra-compact photoacoustic-ultrasound fusion probe comprises: a transparent ultrasonic transducer comprising a thin-film-type transparent piezoelectric unit configured to generate vibration by an electrical signal or generate an electrical signal by vibration, plate-shaped electrodes disposed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric unit, two wires respectively connected to the plate-shaped electrodes, and conductive members connecting the plate-shaped electrodes and the wires; an optical prism disposed on the rear surface of the transparent ultrasonic transducer; and an optical fiber connected to the optical prism to transmit or receive light.
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