Fiber optic ultrasound generator and detector for high resolution ultrasound imaging

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Ultrasound systems are the most commonly used equipment in medical settings for diagnosis or internalobservation of bio-tissues in real-time. However, the imaging potential of these equipment is surprisinglycurrently quite limited due to technical constraints. Therefore, to counterpart these limitations, doctors have noother choices than to direct their patients towards other potentially harmful and more expensive imagingsystems, such as XRays. This research proposal aims at pushing back many of these technical limitation bydeveloping a fiber-optic high-frequency ultrasound generation and detection system for ultrasonic andphotoacoustic imaging. Our results will help develop a more flexible ultrasound system with higher imageresolution, smaller captor size, easier and larger calibration options for application in a variety of settings andplaces such as internal tissues or organs. Working with two industrial partners, who are well positioned forapplicability and distribution of the potential product, this collaboration offers a unique chance to quicklydevelop a well-designed product and to distribute it widely. One of the expected outcome of this research is anovel biomedical imaging modality to be used, for instance, in Intensive Care Units Sonology for diagnosis andtreatment guidance. The proposed research will design a graphene-coated nanofiber device, to be used as ahigh-frequency ultrasound generator. Note that together, our research team and collaborators, we gather anunique mix of expertise that are required to successfully complete this proposed research, and to positionCanada as a leader in biomedical ultrasound imaging technics, as well as high frequency ultrasound generationand detection techniques. Four graduate students and one postdoctoral fellow will participate in this project andtherefore benefit from a multidisciplinary and highly qualifying training in academia and industry settings.