title: Handheld Thermoacoustic Scanning System Based on a Linear-array Transducer.
abstract: To receive the information necessary for imaging, traditional microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging systems (MITISs) use a type of circular-scanning mode using single or arc detectors. However, the use of MITISs for body scanning is complicated by restrictions in space and imaging time. A linear-array detector, the most widely used transducer in medical ultrasound imaging systems for body scanning, is a possible alternative to MITISs for scanning biological tissues, such as from the breast or limbs. In this paper, a handheld MITIS, based on a linear-array detector and a multiple data acquisition system, is described, and the capacity of the system is explored experimentally. First, the vertical and lateral resolution of the system is discussed. Next, real-time imaging of a moving object, obtained with an image capture rate of 20 frame/s, is described. Finally, a phantom experiment is detailed, investigating the overall imaging capability. The results show that this system achieves rapid scanning with a large field of view. The system has the obvious advantages of being handheld, not using coupled fluids, and achieving real-time imaging with a large field of view, which make this MITIS more suitable for clinical applications.
authors: MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
authors: Zhong
authors: Z
authors: Ji
authors: MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
authors: Wenzheng
authors: W
authors: Ding
authors: MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
authors: Fanghao
authors: F
authors: Ye
authors: MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China louchg@scnu.edu.cn.
authors: Cunguang
authors: C
authors: Lou
mesh_terms: D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008872:Microwaves; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*
keywords: body scanning; handheld; linear-array detector; real-time display; thermoacoustic imaging