Multimodal Real-Time Imaging with Combined Optoacoustic and Laser Ultrasonic Tomography System with Toroidal Sensors Array

Abstract

First toroidally focused 2D real-time laser-ultrasonic imaging system was demonstrated. The system is capable of visualizing an acupuncture needle 0.2 mm in diameter located at ~4 cm depth in water. The lateral spatial resolution is better than ~0.32 mm and axial spatial resolution is ~30 µm. The achieved frame rate is up to 30 Hz. The depth dependency of the sensitivity region width and lateral resolution are experimentally measured and discussed. The array is intended to be used as a part of combined real-time photoacoustic and laser-ultrasonic imaging system.