Three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging using fiber-based line detectors.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Acoustic Imaging
• Optical Sensing Technologies

Background:

• Traditional photoacoustic imaging relies on point-like detectors.
• Integrating detectors, which average acoustic pressure over an area or line, offer an alternative sensing approach.
• Optical fiber-based detectors are being explored for their potential in photoacoustic imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the sensitivity and resolution of different optical fiber-based detectors for photoacoustic imaging.
• To evaluate polymer and glass optical fibers within interferometers.
• To assess Fabry-Perot and Mach-Zehnder interferometer types for photoacoustic tomography.

Main Methods:

• Investigated various optical fiber types (polymer vs. glass) in interferometers.
• Compared Fabry-Perot and Mach-Zehnder interferometer configurations.
• Evaluated detector sensitivity and imaging resolution.
• Utilized a glass-fiber-based Fabry-Perot interferometer as an integrating line detector for 3D imaging.

Main Results:

• Polymer optical fibers demonstrated higher sensitivity than glass fibers within the same interferometer type.
• Fabry-Perot glass-fiber interferometers exhibited greater sensitivity compared to Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
• Single-mode glass fiber provided the best imaging resolution.
• Successful 3D photoacoustic images of phantoms and insects were acquired.

Conclusions:

• Optical fiber properties significantly impact photoacoustic imaging performance.
• Fabry-Perot interferometers, particularly with single-mode glass fibers, are promising for high-resolution 3D photoacoustic tomography.
• Integrating detectors offer viable solutions for advanced photoacoustic imaging applications.