Single-Detector Photoacoustic 3D Imaging with Acoustic Delay Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D imaging methods, such as photoacoustic computed tomography, face challenges with low imaging speed, complexity, cost, and bulkiness due to the need for multiple detectors or sequential scanning, limiting their application in biomedical research and clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
The development of a photoacoustic computed tomography system using an ergodic relay with an acoustic delay line and a single-element ultrasonic transducer, capable of temporally separating photoacoustic signals, allowing for single-shot 3D imaging with a single exposure and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors or sequential scanning are used for 3D photoacoustic imaging, then imaging completeness and accuracy are improved, but imaging speed decreases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic temporal encoding where the acoustic delay line continuously varies the time delay between detector signals based on the optical path length. This dynamic encoding allows all spatial information to be captured simultaneously in a single shot, resolving the contradiction between imaging completeness and speed by making the system dynamically capture all information at once rather than sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms spatial information into temporal dimension by using the acoustic delay line to encode depth information as time delays. This dimensionality transformation allows a single detector to capture 3D information by mapping spatial coordinates (x, y, z) to temporal signatures, achieving complete 3D imaging with one detector in a single shot
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used for 3D photoacoustic imaging, then imaging completeness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two parts: a single ultrasonic detector captures all acoustic signals, while the acoustic delay line segments and encodes the temporal information from different depths. This segmentation allows one physical detector to perform the work of multiple detectors by adding temporal encoding dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic delay line acts as an intermediary between the photoacoustic sources and the single detector. It mediates the signal transmission by introducing depth-dependent time delays, allowing the single detector to receive encoded spatial information that can be decoded into complete 3D images
3Measurement precision
If sequential scanning is used for 3D imaging, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed optical illumination to generate photoacoustic signals at different depths simultaneously. The acoustic delay line then periodically encodes these signals with distinct time delays corresponding to their depth positions, allowing all spatial information to be captured in a single periodic cycle rather than through sequential scanning
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 fast, efficient, and cost-effective volumetric imaging of hemodynamics with high spatial resolution, suitable for clinical applications and capable of capturing dynamic changes in vascular occlusion, facilitating early detection and personalized treatment of vascular diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic delay line configured to temporally separate one or more initial photoacoustic signals and one or more reflected photoacoustic signals
Implementation Method 2
an integrated single-element ultrasonic transducer fabricated onto a surface of the acoustic cavity
Implementation Method 3
an optical rod fused to the prism. The optical rod is configured to temporally separate the photoacoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of systems and methods of imaging using photoacoustic computed tomography through an ergodic relay having an integrated single-element ultrasonic transducer.