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Low-power noncontact photoacoustic microscope for bioimaging applications
Krishnan Sathiyamoorthy1, Eric M Strohm1, Michael C Kolios1
1Ryerson University, Department of Physics, Toronto, Ontario, CanadabInstitute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Ryerson University and St. Michaels Hospital, Toronto, ON, CanadacKeenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|April 7, 2017
Summary
A new, inexpensive noncontact photoacoustic (PA) imaging system uses a laser and microphone for high-resolution imaging without fluids. This compact PA sensor integrates with optical microscopes for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Optical Physics
- Acoustic Sensing
Background:
- Conventional photoacoustic (PA) imaging often requires fluid coupling and complex setups.
- There is a need for cost-effective, noncontact imaging systems compatible with existing microscopy.
- Integrating optical and PA imaging modalities can provide complementary information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an inexpensive, noncontact photoacoustic imaging system.
- To demonstrate the system's compatibility with conventional optical microscopes.
- To evaluate the system's performance, including resolution and sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a low-power continuous wave laser and a kilohertz-range microphone.
- Designed a custom PA imaging sensor with an air-filled sample chamber and resonator.
- Employed raster scanning of a focused laser spot for image generation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a lateral resolution of 1.37 µm, with potential for improvement.
- Demonstrated a noise-equivalent detection sensitivity of 72.88 zeptomole hemoglobin.
- Established a minimum detectable pressure limit of 19.1 µPa.
Conclusions:
- The developed noncontact PA system is inexpensive, compact, and easily integrated.
- The system enables simultaneous optical and PA imaging of samples.
- Potential applications include forensics, blood analysis, and drug penetration studies.