Toroidal sensor arrays for real-time photoacoustic imaging

Area of Science:

• Optics and Acoustics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Photoacoustic (PA) and laser ultrasonic (LU) imaging are advanced non-destructive testing techniques.
• Image formation in these modalities is influenced by sensor array geometry.
• Complex-shaped sensor arrays, particularly concave ones, present unique challenges and opportunities for image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically and numerically investigate image formation in PA and LU imaging using complex-shaped concave sensor arrays.
• To assess the spatial resolution and sensitivity regions of PA and LU imaging systems.
• To explore the impact of toroidal array geometry on imaging performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing sensitivity maps and spatial resolution maps in the image plane for quantitative assessment.
• Theoretical modeling of image formation processes.
• Numerical simulations to analyze the performance of different array geometries.

Main Results:

• The study quantifies the spatial resolution and sensitivity regions for PA and LU imaging systems.
• A direct relationship between the size of high-sensitivity regions and spatial resolution is identified.
• Toroidal sensor arrays demonstrate a significant improvement in imaging performance.

Conclusions:

• The use of toroidal sensor arrays substantially enhances the diagnostic capabilities of PA and LU imaging.
• This improved performance is applicable to a wide range of materials, including biological objects, rocks, and composite materials.
• The findings provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of advanced imaging systems.