Isotropic high resolution optoacoustic imaging with linear detector arrays in bi-directional scanning
Mathias Schwarz1, Andreas Buehler, Vasilis Ntziachristos
1Chair for Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging is often performed with one-dimensional transducer arrays, in analogy to ultrasound imaging. Optoacoustic imaging using linear arrays offers ease of implementation but comes with several performance drawbacks, in particular poor elevation resolution, i.e. the resolution along the axis perpendicular to the focal plane. Herein, we introduce and investigate a bi-directional scanning approach using linear arrays that can improve the imaging performance to quasi-isotropic transverse resolution. We study the approach theoretically and perform numerical simulations and phantom measurements to evaluate its performance under defined conditions. Finally, we discuss the features and the limitations of the proposed method.
