title: Ultrashort microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging: a breakthrough in excitation efficiency and spatial resolution.
abstract: With theoretical prediction and experimental validation, we propose a novel approach to significantly enhance the conversion efficiency of thermoacoustic (TA) imaging by using an ultrashort microwave pulse. The implementation of the ultrashort microwave pulse leads to orders of magnitude enhancement in excitation efficiency and spatial resolution, compared to that from existing TA imaging techniques. This allows high-resolution (~ 100 micron resolution) TA imaging to be acquired noninvasively. The present work represents a major breakthrough in the conversion efficiency of the TA effect and the resolution of TA imaging, which can potentially be used for clinical imaging.
authors.affiliation: MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
authors.forename: Cunguang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Sihua
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Qun
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Da
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Xing
mesh_terms: D005583:Fourier Analysis; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008872:Microwaves; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013817:Thermography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*