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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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Non-invasive Parenchymal, Vascular and Metabolic High-frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Rat Deep Brain Imaging
Published on: March 2, 2015
Dual-frequency fiber-array photoacoustic computed tomography for high-resolution deep brain imaging
Zitao Chen1,2, Yuhan Wu1,2, Hexiang Xu1,2
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Light, Science & Applications
|June 1, 2026
Summary
A novel fiber ultrasound transducer array enhances photoacoustic computed tomography for deep brain imaging. This technology offers improved resolution and blood oxygenation assessment for brain functionality studies and disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Optical Ultrasound Hybrid Modalities
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) offers rich optical contrast and deep penetration but is limited by conventional piezoelectric transducer arrays.
- Existing transducer limitations include size-dependent sensitivity, narrow bandwidth, and material rigidity, impacting resolution, depth, and functional precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an arc-shaped fiber ultrasound transducer array for photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT).
- To overcome the limitations of traditional transducer arrays for enhanced multiscale, multicontrast imaging.
- To improve the precision of functional assessment in deep biological tissues, specifically the brain.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of an arc-shaped fiber ultrasound transducer array.
- Characterization of the transducer's performance, including detection limit and dual-frequency response.
- Application of the developed array for whole mouse brain imaging, including tumor visualization.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low detection limit of approximately 5.2 Pa and a broad dual-frequency response at the ultrasound focus.
- Demonstrated whole mouse brain imaging up to 1.2 cm depth with ~70 μm spatial resolution in the cerebral cortex.
- Successfully visualized blood oxygen saturation in the entire mouse brain and brain tumors, with improved assessment precision.
Conclusions:
- The fiber-array PACT system provides centimeter-scale imaging depth and fine resolution of cerebral vessels.
- The dual-frequency response enhances the precision of blood oxygenation evaluation.
- This technology presents a competitive alternative to MRI and ultrasound localization microscopy for brain studies and diagnostics.
