Paper
9 June 2011 High resolution imaging with impulse based thermoacoustic tomography
Stephan Kellnberger, Amir Hajiaboli, George Sergiadis, Daniel Razansky, Vasilis Ntziachristos
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
Existing imaging modalities like microwave- or radiofrequency (RF) induced thermoacoustic tomography systems show the potential for resolving structures deep inside tissue due to the high penetration properties of RF. However, one of the major drawbacks of existing thermoacoustic tomography systems with pulse modulated carrier frequency excitation is the compromise between efficient signal generation and attainable spatial resolution. In order to overcome limitations of conventional thermoacoustic imaging methods, we herein present and experimentally validate our novel approach towards high resolution thermoacoustic tomography. Instead of carrier-frequency amplification, we utilize ultrahigh-energy electromagnetic impulses at nanosecond duration with near-field energy coupling, thus maintaining thermoacoustic signal strength without compromising spatial resolution. Preliminary experiments on highly absorbing objects, consisting of copper wires with characteristic sizes of ~100 μm, reveal the resolution performance which yields 160 μm. Furthermore, benefits like its cost effectiveness, simplicity and compactness with the potential application in small animal imaging as well as human body imaging show that thermoacoustic tomography with impulse excitation is a promising imaging modality which has a broad range of applications.
© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stephan Kellnberger, Amir Hajiaboli, George Sergiadis, Daniel Razansky, and Vasilis Ntziachristos "High resolution imaging with impulse based thermoacoustic tomography", Proc. SPIE 8089, Molecular Imaging III, 808905 (9 June 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.889483
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Tomography

Image resolution

Spatial resolution

Tissues

Electromagnetism

Imaging systems

Copper

Back to Top