Multiphoton photoacoustic spectroscopy system and method
First Claim
1. A method for performing spectral imaging, comprising:
- generating multiple-photon excitation in a specimen;
detecting photoacoustic waves resulting from the excitation; and
forming a spectral image based on the photoacoustic waves.
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Abstract
A system and method for performing multispectral imaging locates features of interest in a specimen using a technique known as multiphoton photoacoustic spectroscopy. In this technique, a tunable high-power laser is used to initiate multiphoton excitation events which are then detected as an acoustic signal using a sensor such as an ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer. The transducer signal is processed to form a normalized MPPAS signal intensity which may then be used as a basis for forming a spectral image. Unlike other spectroscopies, MPPAS is able to monitor non-fluorescent species based on non-radiative relaxation of the light-absorbing species in the specimen. In addition, since the majority of energy imparted to the light-absorbing molecules is released through non-radiative pathways, sensitive measurements of even fluorescent molecules can be performed. The system and method may be applied to detect malignant cells in tissue samples although other uses are contemplated.
93 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for performing spectral imaging, comprising:
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generating multiple-photon excitation in a specimen;
detecting photoacoustic waves resulting from the excitation; and
forming a spectral image based on the photoacoustic waves. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for performing spectral imaging, comprising:
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an exciter which generates multiple-photon excitation in a specimen; and
a detector which detects photoacoustic waves from the specimen as a result of the excitation. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification