Optoacoustic Imaging Probe Beam Deflection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic transducers in biomedical optoacoustics face limitations in minimum element size and number due to manufacturing difficulties, restricting the efficiency of acoustic energy transduction for imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
The probe beam deflection technique (PBDT) is employed to detect acoustic waves using an optical method, allowing for high sensitivity and resolution imaging by measuring pressure amplitude, distance, and angular direction of acoustic waves through a coupling medium, with multiple optical probes configured in various planes to provide two and three-dimensional images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If piezoelectric transducers are used for acoustic detection, then conversion efficiency is high, but manufacturing difficulties limit minimum element size and element number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric transducers with an optical detection system using probe beam deflection. Instead of using mechanical/electrical piezoelectric materials to convert acoustic waves to electrical signals, the system uses optical probes to detect acoustic waves through refractive index changes in the medium, substituting the mechanical detection mechanism with an optical one that avoids manufacturing constraints of piezoelectric elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling medium as an intermediary between the acoustic source and the optical detector. The coupling medium transduces acoustic waves into optical signal changes through refractive index modulation, allowing optical probes to indirectly detect acoustic waves without direct mechanical contact, thus avoiding the manufacturing limitations of piezoelectric elements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional acoustic transducers are used, then acoustic energy can be detected, but scanning time is slow and resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional scanning detection to multi-dimensional simultaneous detection by arranging optical probes in three-dimensional space around the acoustic source. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous measurement of acoustic waves from multiple directions, eliminating sequential scanning and achieving real-time imaging with high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent optical probes positioned at different locations and orientations. Each probe detects acoustic waves independently, and the combined signals provide comprehensive spatial information, enabling parallel processing of detection data to reduce scanning time while maintaining high resolution.
3Device complexity
If a single probe detects acoustic waves, then simplicity is maintained, but angular direction measurement capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical probe system to perform multiple functions: detecting acoustic wave pressure amplitude, determining distance, and measuring angular direction all through a single probe by analyzing the deflection pattern. The probe can detect waves from various angles and the signal characteristics encode spatial information, allowing one probe to replace multiple specialized sensors.
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
This approach enables faster image acquisition and higher resolution imaging by reducing scanning time and enhancing spatial resolution, while being non-contact and non-destructive, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional piezoelectric transducers.
Implementation Method 1
detecting acoustic waves by using electromagnetic probe beams... the probe beam deflection technique (PBDT), a non-contact optical method, is used to record the optoacoustic signals... detecting acoustic waves transiting an acoustic coupling medium
Implementation Method 2
tissue is illuminated with short laser pulses. The light is scattered inside the tissue and heats (by degrees or a fraction of a degree) absorbing structures
Implementation Method 3
Because of the thermoelastic effect, the heating generates pressure transients exactly representing the absorbing structures
Implementation Method 4
the propagation of this pressure wave produces a local density gradient, which alters the refractive index of the medium, leading to beam deflection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a non-contact optical method using a probe beam deflection technique (PBDT) to detecting acoustic waves transiting an acoustic coupling medium.