Photoacoustic tomography: principles and advances

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optical Physics
• Acoustic Engineering

Background:

• Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging hybrid imaging modality with significant potential in preclinical and clinical settings.
• PAT leverages the acoustic detection of optical absorption from endogenous (e.g., hemoglobin) or exogenous (e.g., dyes, nanoparticles) chromophores.
• Its hybrid nature allows for high-resolution imaging by combining optical and acoustic properties, overcoming light scattering limitations in tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental principles of photoacoustic tomography.
• To discuss various implementations and evolving technologies within PAT.
• To highlight the strengths and recent imaging achievements of PAT.

Main Methods:

• The review covers the basic principles of PAT, explaining its hybrid nature.
• Different implementations of PAT technology are discussed.
• Recent advancements and imaging results are presented.

Main Results:

• PAT generates high-resolution images by detecting acoustic signals from optical absorption.
• The technique effectively images in both ballistic and diffusive optical regimes due to lower ultrasound scattering.
• Recent developments have led to diverse applications and discoveries.

Conclusions:

• Photoacoustic tomography is a rapidly advancing imaging technique with broad applicability.
• Its ability to provide high-resolution images makes it valuable for preclinical and clinical research.
• Continued evolution of PAT promises further breakthroughs in medical imaging.