In this paper, we report on sequential decreases in the amplitude of photoacoustic (PA) signals from nanosecond laser
pulse irradiation of various samples. These samples include biological tissues, such as dental-enamel and chicken/turkey
breast as well as some non-biological samples. Laser energy densities in the range of 80mJ/cm2 to 300mJ/cm2 were used
in our experiments, typical of those used in PA imaging regimes. Induced temperature rises are modelled to show that
the average temperature rise for each pulse in those biological tissues is less than one degree centigrade. Measurements
reveal a rapid decay of photoacoustic signals within the first few laser pulses absorbed by the sample and this decay is
irreversible in the short term. The phenomenon indicates that laser irradiation interacts with biological samples, causing
long-term physical changes that can be attributed to a reduction of optical absorption within the samples.
We describe the phenomenon of a sudden decrease in the amplitude of photoacoustic signals arising from nanosecond laser pulse irradiation of biological samples, measured in vitro. Several dental enamel and chicken/turkey breast samples are examined. Moderate optical energy densities (i.e., about 300 mJ/cm2) are used, typical of those exploited in photoacoustic investigations. Measurements show a rapid decay of photoacoustic signals within the first few laser pulses absorbed by the sample. This phenomenon indicates that laser irradiation interacts with biological samples, causing long-term physical changes that can be attributed to a reduction of optical absorption within the samples.
The current demand for versatile medical diagnostics has created a significant increase in the development of NIR spectroscopic techniques due to the relative transparency of body fluids and soft tissue in this spectral region. Specifically the non-invasive determination of blood substrates is a desirable measurement as a guide to the pathological condition of the patient, since blood forms the primary metabolic transport system for the body. There are well-defined needs for real-time near-infrared (NIR) monitoring instruments for in vivo clinical applications. This paper describes a compact and rugged FT-NIR instrument that has the potential to meet this need. A rapid software development environment was used to implement the active alignment, control and self-calibration algorithms. The current prototype has a spectral range of 500 - 2300 nm and collects a spectrum in 200 ms. The instrument has been validated with bandpass filters and water spectra. Hemoglobin (Hb) solutions and erythrocyte suspensions have also been measured. The well known water absorbance features around 1400 nm and 1900 nm have been observed along with HB features around 550 nm and we have verified the published blood spectra.
This paper describes the application of a frequency domain synthetic aperture focusing technique to photoacoustic imaging. The photoacoustic probe consisted of a laser delivery fiber-optic (diameter of 600 μm, plastic coated silica) combined with a polymer (PVDF) transducer for ultrasonic detection. This system had a broadband frequency response in the MHz region. Such an integral probe was designed to optically transmit and receive near on-axis ultrasonic transients simultaneously, in under water applications. A frequency domain synthetic aperture method was successfully applied using phantom samples to produce 2D images from A-scan signals received from the probe. A range of samples were examined, including black nylon with 1 mm circular holes at a depth of 5.9 mm from the surface. A comparison was made with conventional B-scan images and with time domain synthetic aperture images. Results showed that synthetic focusing apertures, in time or frequency domains, offer better signal-to-noise ratios with improved capabilities in lateral resolution.
This paper describes the application of a diffraction correction method based on an exact Lommel diffraction formulation applied to an optoacoustic signal. It is already known that the optoacoustic signal contains valuable information about tissue optical properties. Using time-resolved analysis, the tissue optical absorption coefficient can be easily determined. Normally, corresponding experiments measure signals close (a few mms) to an optoacoustic source. However, it is desirable, in some cases, to perform signal detection in the far field. This leads to changes in pulse shape within optoacoustic signals. The paper presents a new method based on a closed-form formulation to correct diffraction effects in the source/detector geometry. Experimental evidence validates predicted results for the case of a 1 mm hydrophone.
This paper describes a software development environment suitable for advanced signal processing and feedback control algorithms for interferometry. The significance of software fast prototyping tools is illustrated where theoretically challenging algorithms are to be implemented. Specifically, a case is discussed where advanced control is deemed necessary for reliable operation of FT-NIR instruments in an on-line environment. In this particular case, an interactive test bed for new algorithmic approaches is developed, such that advanced theories and methods can be rapidly tested and validated with the real-world interferometer hardware. This development environment also allows new interfacing concepts with mechanical and optical hardware to be tested. Use of this environment is illustrated for the case of a novel Michelson NIR spectrometer operating in the range 800-2200 nm.
Laser-generated ultrasound has found a number of niche applications in non-destructive testing and evaluation and there is now a growing trend to examine potential applications for materials characterization in medicine. Conventional ultrasound techniques for measuring various important dimensions within the eye are in extensive use. However, one problem remains outstanding, which is that the dimensions of the cornea, anterior chamber and lens can be measured using a high frequency, high resolution transducer, but the dimensions of the overall eyeball (i.e., cornea to retina) have to be measured with a lower frequency transducer in order to achieve the necessary penetration. We have conducted a number of in vitro studies using bovine eyes to determine whether the use of laser induced ultrasound would be able to overcome the aforementioned problem. The results of these measurements will be presented, together with a discussion of the many difficulties that remain to be overcome. In addition, our studies involve the potential use of laser ultrasound to quantify the degree of cataract formation, both primary and secondary. This paper will also consider the work accomplished to data in this area.
C-scan images are presented of artificial defects in carbon fiber composite materials derived from a laser ultrasound imaging system. Detection of ultrasound has been achieved from natural material surfaces, by an actively stabilized Fabry-Perot interferometer in conjunction with an argon-ion laser source. Recent measurements have been made in what is known as the thermoelastic regime, so that the sample did not suffer surface damage from any plasma spark. However, signals were averaged in order to produce good quality images. These were further processed using a separable median filter to give images which compared favorably with X-ray radiography measurements. Using 0.25 mm pixel separation in the scanning process, images with size resolution better than 0.5 mm were achieved.
An overview is presented of recent developments in the use of laser-generated ultrasound. Until the late 1980s, implementation of laser-ultrasound instruments in industry was impeded by a lack of detection sensitivity. Various optical detection schemes were investigated, including the Michelson interferometer, interferometers incorporating phase conjugation, techniques based on heterodyne holographic interferometry and lasers using two-wave mixing in photorefractive crystals. These detectors remain within research laboratories. The first interferometers to be developed for industrial applications have been those based on the confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer (CFPI). These are capable of analyzing the frequency shift of light imposed by ultrasound when light is back-scattered from a rough surface. A description of their properties is presented, showing how their frequency response to ultrasound may be modified. Typical signals recorded for thickness measurement or for defect imaging are presented, together with ultrasonic images acquired of defects in materials such as carbon fiber composite. They have now demonstrated their relevance to industrial applications, the challenge for the future being to reduce their overall costs.
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