Co-optimization method to improve lateral resolution in photoacoustic computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optical Imaging
• Acoustic Imaging

Background:

• Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) offers excellent optical contrast and acoustic penetration depth.
• Image reconstruction in PACT is challenged by spinning blur from limited ultrasonic transducer (UT) size and discontinuous measurements.
• Existing methods struggle to fully address artifacts and improve lateral spatial resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method to enhance lateral spatial resolution and image quality in PACT.
• To mitigate spinning blur and artifacts introduced during PACT image reconstruction.
• To improve the clinical applicability of PACT.

Main Methods:

• Development of a damping ultrasonic transducer (UT) to control receiving area and suppress blur during signal acquisition.
• Implementation of an innovative adaptive back-projection algorithm to correct image artifacts.
• Evaluation of the CODA method using agar phantoms and ex-vivo experiments.

Main Results:

• The CODA method effectively compensated for spinning blur in PACT.
• Unwanted artifacts were eliminated by the adaptive back-projection algorithm.
• Significant improvements in lateral spatial resolution and overall image quality were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed CODA method enhances PACT image quality by addressing blur and artifacts.
• Improved lateral spatial resolution makes PACT more suitable for broader clinical applications.
• CODA offers a novel, cost-effective approach to advanced biomedical imaging.