title: A cost-efficient frequency-domain photoacoustic imaging system.
abstract: Photoacoustic (PA) imaging techniques have recently attracted much attention and can be used for noninvasive imaging of biological tissues. Most PA imaging systems in research laboratories use the time domain method with expensive nanosecond pulsed lasers that are not affordable for most educational laboratories. Using an intensity modulated light source to excite PA signals is an alternative technique, known as the frequency domain method, with a much lower cost. In this paper, we describe a simple frequency domain PA system and demonstrate its imaging capability. The system provides opportunities not only to observe PA signals in tissue phantoms, but also to acquire hands-on skills in PA signal detection. It also provides opportunities to explore the underlying mechanisms of the PA effect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA, Joint Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leboulluec
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA, Joint Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Hanli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA, Joint Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Baohong
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yuan
keywords: Frequency-domain; Lock-in Amplifier; Photoacoustic effect