ABSTRACT
This chapter develops a fast multielement photoacoustic (PA) imaging system based on a 320-element linear transducer array. Based on the 320-element linear transducer array, a PA and ultrasonic coimage imaging system was obtained, which simultaneously acquired ultrasound and PA images. The chapter also develops the phase-controlled focused algorithm and the limited-field filtered back projection algorithm for image reconstruction of the PA systems. The integrative prototype B-scan PA tomography system can provide a novel and effective approach for high intrinsic optical contrast vascular imaging. At present, the shortest time for data acquisition with the 320-element transducer array PA imaging system is within 5 s. The 320-element linear transducer array system provides an efficient and convenient approach to PA imaging. The results indicate that the technique can be used to differentiate optical absorption in phantoms and tissues. It may provide a better approach for in vivo noninvasive imaging and clinical diagnosis, compared to the existing PA imaging techniques.
