ABSTRACT
Fig. 1 shows a pictorial representation of photoacoustic
generation from an embedded optical absorber in layered
tissue. The tissue constitutes a planar surface in air, such as
skin in the natural environment. Laser light is scattered in
the optically turbid medium, then is absorbed by the
embedded source. The resultant acoustic field is composed
of radiation from the source and boundary reflections and
transmissions. Here, the air/tissue interface constitutes a
free surface, in which the acoustic radiation is entirely
reflected back into the tissue. The tissue 1/tissue 2 interface
causes transmissions and reflections as determined by the
acoustic impedance mismatch and Snell’s law.
