Optoacoustic Imaging Tank with Multi-Directional Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoacoustic imaging techniques face challenges with long acquisition times, low signal-to-noise ratio, and practical limitations such as the need for an acoustically-matched medium, which complicates imaging of living subjects and restricts accessibility, especially for whole-body imaging of small animals.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device and method utilizing a tank with a detector array and optical components arranged to illuminate the object from different directions, allowing for parallel detection and real-time image reconstruction, with a holding device for positioning the object relative to the illumination and detector, enabling fast data acquisition and increased signal-to-noise ratio without direct contact with a liquid medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple spatial projections are recorded to achieve high-quality quantified reconstructions, then measurement precision is improved, but acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple independently operable detector elements that can be selectively activated. This allows recording from multiple spatial projections simultaneously or in rapid succession, improving measurement precision while reducing total acquisition time compared to sequential single-detector approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point detection to array-based multi-point detection, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement process. Multiple detector elements positioned at different locations enable parallel data acquisition from multiple projections, fundamentally reducing acquisition time while maintaining quantification accuracy.
2Area of stationary object
If a translation stage is used to position detector elements at different locations, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and reliability worsen due to operation in water
Solution Approach 1:
Detector elements are pre-positioned at multiple locations around the imaging tank before the experiment begins. This eliminates the need for dynamic translation stages during data acquisition, reducing device complexity and improving reliability while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an acoustically-coupled medium (water or gel) as an intermediary between the object and detector elements. This allows direct coupling of acoustic signals without requiring mechanical translation stages to move through the water, simplifying the positioning system while maintaining detection coverage.
3Reliability
If the object is placed in a container with water for acoustic coupling, then signal transmission is improved, but ease of operation and subject welfare deteriorate for living animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustically-coupled medium (water or gel) as an intermediary between the object and detector elements. This medium improves acoustic signal transmission quality by providing impedance matching, while the object remains in a natural or controlled environment without requiring full immersion, thus maintaining ease of operation and subject welfare.
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic coupling is applied locally at the interfaces between the object and detector elements rather than requiring complete immersion of the object in water. This localized coupling approach maintains signal transmission quality while avoiding the practical difficulties of handling and restraining living animals in water.
4Reliability
If multiple signal averaging is performed to improve SNR, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but acquisition time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple detector elements that simultaneously detect acoustic waves from different spatial projections. This merging of parallel detection channels achieves signal averaging and noise reduction in a single measurement cycle, improving SNR without increasing acquisition time or operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast and reliable real-time optoacoustic imaging of small animals and tissue biomarkers, allowing for the study of fast-varying biological phenomena and improved visualization of bio-marker distribution without the need for immersion in a liquid medium, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The technique is based on the optoacoustic phenomenon, i.e., generation of acoustic waves due to thermoelastic expansion caused by absorption of ultra-short optical pulses.
Implementation Method 2
generation of acoustic waves due to thermoelastic expansion caused by absorption of ultra-short optical pulses
Implementation Method 3
The detector device comprises an array of detector elements which can be piezoelectric or interferometric detection elements
Implementation Method 4
The detector device comprises an array of detector elements which can be piezoelectric or interferometric detection elements
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device configured for optoacoustic imaging of an object, including an illumination device including optical components arranged to illuminate the object, a detector device comprising an array of detector elements arranged in a tank and arranged to detect acoustic signals created in the object, and a container device including a tank arranged to accommodate the detector device, the object and a matching transmission medium, a holding device adapted to position and move the object relative to the illumination device and the detector device, wherein the optical components are arranged in the tank to illuminate the object from different directions.