Single-Source Photoacoustic Remote Sensing With Dual-Path Optical Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoacoustic imaging techniques require physical coupling to the sample, making them inappropriate for clinical applications like burn diagnosis, intraoperative imaging, and endoscopic procedures, and existing non-contact modalities lack effective in vivo visualization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A single-source photoacoustic remote sensing (SS-PARS) system that uses a pulsed optical source split into two pulses, delayed and attenuated for excitation and detection, eliminating the need for a separate detection source and reducing chromatic effects, with applications in endoscopic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional photoacoustic imaging techniques are used, then physical coupling to the sample is required, but this makes them inappropriate for clinical applications such as burn diagnosis, intraoperative imaging, and endoscopic procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system (ultrasonic transducer physically coupled to tissue) with an optical detection system that measures photoacoustic signals remotely through optical means, enabling non-contact imaging suitable for clinical applications
2Ease of operation
If existing non-contact photoacoustic modalities are used, then physical coupling is eliminated, but they lack effective in vivo visualization capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary detection system that captures photoacoustic signals generated in vivo without requiring physical coupling, using optical means to detect and visualize acoustic signals remotely, thereby achieving both non-contact operation and effective in vivo imaging
3Device complexity
If a single optical source is used for both excitation and detection in SS-PARS, then system complexity is reduced and chromatic effects are eliminated, but the detection sensitivity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single optical source that serves dual functions: as the excitation source to generate photoacoustic signals and as the detection source to measure the modulated light intensity, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating chromatic aberrations while maintaining detection sensitivity through appropriate signal processing
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
Provides non-contact optical absorption contrast with improved sensitivity, accuracy, and reduced optical exposure, enabling effective in vivo imaging without chromatic aberrations and faster imaging speeds.
Implementation Method 1
short optical pulses in the nanosecond or picosecond range are fired into the sample where they are preferentially absorbed by specific species. This absorption of optical energy in turn creates local heat which generates a local pressure rise known as the initial pressure
Implementation Method 2
A single-source photoacoustic remote sensing (SS-PARS) system that uses a pulsed optical source split into two pulses, delayed and attenuated for excitation and detection
Implementation Method 3
visualizing optical absorption contrast within optically scattering media
Data Source
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AI summary
A photoacoustic remote sensing system for imaging a subsurface structure in a sample, comprising exactly one laser source configured to generate a pulsed or intensity-modulated excitation beam configured to generate ultrasonic pressure signals in the sample at an excitation location, and an interrogation beam incident on the sample at the excitation location, a portion of the interrogation beam returning from the sample that is indicative of the generated ultrasonic pressure signals, an optical system configured to focus the excitation beam and the interrogation beam below a surface of the sample, a detector configured to detect the returning portion of the interrogation beam, and a processor configured to calculate an image of the sample based on a detected intensity modulation of the returning portion of the interrogation beam from below the surface of the sample.