A three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging method is presented that uses a Mach-Zehnder interferometer for measurement of acoustic waves generated in an object by irradiation with short laser pulses. The signals acquired with the interferometer correspond to line integrals over the acoustic wave field. An algorithm for reconstruction of a three-dimensional image from such signals measured at multiple positions around the object is shown that is a combination of a frequency-domain technique and the inverse Radon transform. From images of a small source scanning across the interferometer beam it is estimated that the spatial resolution of the imaging system is in the range of 100 to about 300 mum, depending on the interferometer beam width and the size of the aperture formed by the scan length divided by the source-detector distance. By taking an image of a phantom it could be shown that the imaging system in its present configuration is capable of producing three-dimensional images of objects with an overall size in the range of several millimeters to centimeters. Strategies are proposed how the technique can be scaled for imaging of smaller objects with higher resolution.

A method for photoacoustic tomography is presented that uses line integrals over the acoustic wave field from a photoacoustic source for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image. The line integrals are acquired with an optical line sensor based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. Image reconstruction is a two-step process. In the first step data from a scan of the line outside the object are used to reconstruct a linear projection of the source distribution. In the second step the inverse linear Radon transform is applied to multiple projections taken at different directions. This study focuses on the first step comparing two different open scan curves of the line detector around the object and corresponding two-dimensional reconstruction algorithms. An open curve, such as a 180° arc or an ‘L’ formed by two lines, establishes a limited view problem for which limitations exist concerning the stability of the reconstruction. Using experimental data from phantoms, time domain direct and iterative reconstruction algorithms as well as frequency domain (FD) algorithms are compared. The results indicate that although the image quality for all algorithms is similar, the FD algorithms offer much faster reconstruction speed, whereas the time domain algorithms allow for a refinement of image quality by including special correction procedures.

Thermoacoustic computed tomography (TACT) is an emerging hybrid imaging method for non-invasive medical diagnosis and fully three-dimensional visualization of biological probes. Within this modality electromagnetic illumination is used to induce acoustic waves inside an object of interest. In this paper, we assume that a cylindrical array of line detectors is used to record the acoustical data. This leads to the mathematical problem of inverting the circular Radon transform.The circular Radon transform arises in several other up-to-date imaging modalities, such as RADAR imaging or ultrasound tomography. In this paper we prove a novel stable formula for recovering a planar function from its circular Radon transform. We apply this formula to obtain an exact three-dimensional imaging algorithm for TACT. Numerical reconstructions from real and synthetic data demonstrate the potential and robustness of our algorithm.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors represent a suitable method for broadband acoustic pulse detection. The reflectivity and phase of a p-polarized laser beam incident on an optical device under SPR conditions are strongly dependent on ambient conditions that are changed by an acoustic wave. Depending on the order of layers, SPR sensors can be arranged in the Kretschmann or in the Otto configuration acting as a pressure or as a displacement sensor. The aim of this study was to compare both configurations and to find linear and sensitive conditions for the application. Numerical calculations were carried out varying the layer dimensions and the angle of incidence. The results of the experimental investigation on both configurations confirm the working principle.

A photoacoustic tomograph based on optical ultrasound detection is demonstrated, which is capable of high resolution real-time projection imaging and fast three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Snapshots of the pressure field outside the imaged object are taken at defined delay times after photoacoustic excitation by use of a charge coupled device (CCD) camera in combination with an optical phase contrast method. From the obtained wave patterns photoacoustic projection images are reconstructed using a back propagation Fourier domain reconstruction algorithm. Applying the inverse Radon transform to a set of projections recorded over a half rotation of the sample provides 3D photoacoustic tomography images in less than one minute with a resolution below 100 µm. The sensitivity of the device was experimentally determined to be 5.1 kPa over a projection length of 1 mm. In vivo images of the vasculature of a mouse demonstrate the potential of the developed method for biomedical applications.