Department of Enrollment

Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor Name

Michelle Sabick

Report Date

5-29-2013

Document Type

Student Project

Abstract

Several detection methods have been explored for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging of biological tissues. Piezoelectric transducers are commonly used, which require contact with the sample and have limiting bandwidth characteristics. Interferometry detection exhibits improved bandwidth characteristics and resolution, yet generally require complicated optics and the incorporation of a contacting reflective medium. Here, we report the use of a noncontact photoacoustic and laser-ultrasound imaging system that does not require the use of a reflective layer. A simple, robust technique known as gas-coupled laser acoustic detection is used, which has previously been applied to composite material evaluation. This technique has the potential to reduce complexity and cost of photoacoustic imaging devices and allow for use in a broad range of medical applications.

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