Open AccessReview of methods to improve the performance of linear array-based photoacoustic tomography
Author(s) -
Yuehang Wang,
Yang Zhan,
Melinda Tiao,
Jun Xia
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of innovative optical health sciences/journal of innovation in optical health science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 1793-5458
pISSN - 1793-7205
DOI - 10.1142/s1793545820300037
Subject(s) - modality (human–computer interaction) , photoacoustic tomography , computer science , photoacoustic imaging in biomedicine , tomography , transducer , optics , acoustics , artificial intelligence , physics
As a hybrid imaging modality that combines optical excitation with acoustic detection, photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has become one of the fastest growing biomedical imaging modalities. Among various types of transducer arrays used in a PAT system configuration, the linear array is the most commonly utilized due to its convenience and low-cost. Although linear array-based PAT has been quickly developed within the recent decade, there are still two major challenges that impair the overall performance of the PAT imaging system. The first challenge is that the three-dimensional (3D) imaging capability of a linear array is limited due to its poor elevational resolution. The other challenge is that the geometrical shape of the linear array constrains light illumination. To date, substantial efforts have been made to address the aforementioned challenges. This review will present current technologies for improving the elevation resolution and light delivery of linear array-based PAT systems.