Real-time 3D photoacoustic imaging system for biomedical research

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Photoacoustic imaging is a powerful technique for studying biological systems. Photoacoustic images are capable of showing important indicators of tissue health and are helpful in the detection and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer. Dr. Carson's research team is developing a 3-dimensional photoacoustic imaging technology that is many times faster than currently available systems. It uses an array of ultrasound transducers to receive the photoacoustic waves generated by biological specimens in response to a bright flash of light from a laser. A computer interprets the signals from the transducers and reconstructs them into a 3-dimensional photoacoustic image that highlights areas of disease. The first objective of the research will be to increase the number of transducers in the array to improve the reception of photoacoustic signals and the quality of resultant 3D images. The second objective will be to increase the range of frequencies that the array is able to sense, which will improve the quality of the 3D photoacoustic images further. The third objective will be to obtain an accurate map of how well the transducer array signals from points in the imaging volume. To get this information, a miniature source of photoacoustic signal will be used to test of all transducers in the array. Movement of the source from point to point within the imaging volume with a robot arm will build up the required map. The research program will enable Dr. Carson and his trainees to improve greatly the quality of 3D photoacoustic images captured with their imaging system. This will make possible the capture of photoacoustic images of living samples with better resolution and image quality, and make 3D photoacoustic imaging practical for studying diseases such as cancer. Furthermore, the research program will give trainees the opportunity to learn how ultrasound, laser, and robotic technology can be combined to solve practical problems in biomedical imaging research.