Photoacoustic imaging
Photoacoustic imaging acquisition
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a hybrid biomedical technique that combines optical excitation with ultrasound detection to visualize tissues. Short pulses of light absorbed by biological structures generate transient ultrasonic waves through thermoelastic expansion, which are then detected and reconstructed into images. This approach enables non-invasive, high-resolution imaging of tissue structures and molecular composition at clinically relevant depths.
At PULS/e, we focus on advancing PA imaging acquisition by designing and developing novel imaging systems. This includes multi-perspective imaging setups, exploration of new ultrasound transducer materials, and the development of optimized data acquisition strategies and reconstruction and compounding methods to improve image quality, resolution, and depth.
Photoacoustic tissue characterization
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging can provide detailed information about tissue composition and function based on optical absorption contrast. By analysing PA signals across different wavelengths or polarization states, it enables high-contrast visualization of molecular and physiological features through differences in optical absorption, allowing non-invasive assessment of tissue properties and functional changes.
Our primary focus is on advancing PA-based tissue characterization techniques by developing novel spectral unmixing methods and exploring both clinical and preclinical applications. Currently, we are particularly interested in clinical applications for the early detection of stroke risk and osteoarthritis, and imaging of inflammation.