Biophotonics: All-optical ultrasound transducers using micro- and nanophotonic elements

0730446 Guo在30- 100 MHz频率范围内的高频和高灵敏度超声成像能够分辨几乎低至细胞水平的结构。拟议的研究将推动超声的光学检测从目前在光学台上进行的实验系统发展为非常适合介入成像应用的紧凑而坚固的设备。集成光学的概念和光子微谐振器作为超声探测器和基于金属纳米粒子的超声源的新实现是所提出的发展的基石。该计划将侧重于对基本物理原理的理解，并探索一些候选器件结构，以便为未来实现用于血管内和导管内应用的新型全光学集成换能器阵列奠定坚实的基础。开发这种用于临床使用的成像模式可以对许多不同临床领域中的诊断和治疗程序产生巨大影响。心血管临床医生将能够非常详细地可视化冠状动脉的动脉壁和心脏内部结构。由于原位显微镜可以取代传统手术，使用活检诊断癌症将发生革命性的变化。由于诊断的病理可以以很高的精度定位，因此可以开发成像引导治疗。该技术可以实现高分辨率血管内超声（IVUS）成像和早期癌症检测。将研究融入教育是该计划的另一项重大努力。该项目需要采用多学科方法，并将涉及各级学生研究人员。PI将鼓励和促进研究生和本科生参与跨学科研究。该生物光子学计划将与生物医学超声领域的研究人员进行强有力的合作，并将使所有参与的学生受益。研究结果将为新一代紧凑型全光学超声成像仪奠定科学和工程基础，这些超声成像仪对体内应用特别有用。该项目取得的进展和新发现将在一个网站上公布，以便向广大科学界传播。

0730446 Guo High frequency and high sensitivity ultrasound imaging at the frequency range of 30-100MHz is capable of resolving structures almost down to the cellular level. The proposed research will boost optical detection of ultrasound from the current experimental system carried out on an optical table to a compact and robust device that is perfectly suitable for interventional imaging application. The integrated optics concept and the novel implementation of photonic microresonators as ultrasonic detectors and metallic nanoparticles based ultrasound sources are the corner stones of the proposed development. The program will focus on the understanding of underlying physical principles and explore a number of candidate device structures in order to set a solid foundation for the future implementation of novel all-optical integrated transducer arrays for intravascular and intra-catheter applications. Developing such an imaging modality for clinical use could have a tremendous impact on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in many different clinical areas. The cardio-vascular clinician will be able to visualize in great detail the arterial walls of the coronary arteries and the heart interior structure. The diagnostics of cancer using biopsy will be revolutionized as in-situ microscopy could replace the traditional procedure. Imaging guided therapy could be developed since the diagnosed pathology can be localized at a great precision. The technology can enable high resolution intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and early cancer detection. Integrating research into education is another major effort of this program. The project requires a multidisciplinary approach, and will involve student researchers at all levels. The PI will encourage and promote both graduate and undergraduate students' participation in interdisciplinary researches. This Biophotonics program will feature a strong collaboration with researchers in the biomedical ultrasound field, and will benefit all the participating students. The results will set the scientific and engineering foundation for a new generation of compact, all-optical based ultrasound imagers that are especially useful for in-vivo applications. Progress and new findings made in the project will be made available on a website for dissemination to the general scientific community.