Adjustable Handheld Probe Design for Photoacoustic Imaging: Mathematical Modelling and Simulation Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Acoustic Physics

Background:

• Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is an emerging technique merging light and ultrasound for imaging.
• Conventional PAI probes lack adjustable capabilities, limiting illumination flexibility.
• Standard designs offer fixed light and sound integration, hindering optimized photoacoustic generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel photoacoustic imaging system featuring a light-adjustable handheld probe.
• To demonstrate the advantages of adjustable spot size, distance, and illumination schemes (bright-field, dark-field, mixed-field).
• To explore the selection of different excitation modes for optimizing photoacoustic signal generation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a light-adjustable handheld probe for photoacoustic imaging.
• Implementation of adjustable parameters for spot size and distance control.
• Utilizing Monte Carlo simulations to analyze light field distributions and excitation advantages.
• Conducting experimental testing to validate simulation findings and system performance.

Main Results:

• The proposed probe allows for adjustable spot size and distance, enabling versatile illumination control.
• Bright-field, dark-field, and mixed-field illumination schemes can be achieved by tuning parameters.
• Monte Carlo simulations indicated that different light fields offer distinct advantages for photoacoustic generation.
• Both simulation and experimental results confirmed the system's effectiveness and potential.

Conclusions:

• The developed light-adjustable handheld probe significantly enhances the flexibility of photoacoustic imaging systems.
• Adjustable illumination schemes and excitation modes optimize photoacoustic signal generation.
• The proposed system shows great potential for advanced biomedical imaging applications due to its versatile configurations.