title: All-optical scanhead for ultrasound and photoacoustic dual-modality imaging.
abstract: We propose a new scanhead design for combined ultrasound (US)/photoacoustic (PA) imaging that can be applied to dual-modality microscopy and biomedical imaging. Both imaging modalities employ the optical generation and detection of acoustic waves. The scanhead consists of an optical fiber with an axicon tip for excitation, and a microring for acoustic detection. No conventional piezoelectric device is needed, and the cost of the design makes it suitable for one-time, disposable use. Furthermore, a single laser pulse is employed to generate both US and PA signals. A subband imaging method can be applied to the receiver to enhance the contrast between the US and PA signals. Phantom data demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Bao-Yu
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Sung-Liang
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: L Jay
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Pai-Chi
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D061088:Photoacoustic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*