PHOTOACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER AND IMAGING SYSTEM
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A photoacoustic scan head comprising:
- (i) an arrayed ultrasound transducer having a front surface for detecting ultrasound waves from a target,(ii) a housing comprising a nosepiece for containing the arrayed ultrasound transducer, and(iii) a plurality of optical fibers for directing laser light to the target, wherein light-emitting portions of the fibers are positioned adjacent to the front surface of the arrayed ultrasound transducer and integrated into the nosepiece of the housing with an optically transparent resin.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention disclosed herein features a photoacoustic scan head that includes laser fibers integrated into the housing of an arrayed ultrasound transducer using an optically transparent epoxy or other resin. The light-emitting ends of the fibers are positioned adjacent to the front surface of the transducer and direct laser light onto a subject being scanned by the transducer. The light beams generated by the fibers may be angled to intersect the acoustic field generated by the transducer so as to generate a photoacoustic effect in the region scanned by the transducer.
78 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A photoacoustic scan head comprising:
-
(i) an arrayed ultrasound transducer having a front surface for detecting ultrasound waves from a target, (ii) a housing comprising a nosepiece for containing the arrayed ultrasound transducer, and (iii) a plurality of optical fibers for directing laser light to the target, wherein light-emitting portions of the fibers are positioned adjacent to the front surface of the arrayed ultrasound transducer and integrated into the nosepiece of the housing with an optically transparent resin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification