Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photoacoustic ultrasound generator includes forming an uncured prepolymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film on a substrate, spraying a solution of light-absorbing nano-particles onto a surface of the uncured PDMS film, and then permeating and diffusing the light-absorbing nano-particles into the uncured PDMS film; and curing the uncured PDMS film containing the light-absorbing nano-particles distributed therein to form a composite film of nano-particles and PDMS.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ultrasound generator with high laser-induced damage threshold is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a partial skull replacement consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a method of monitoring biological tissues within a skull using the partial skull replacement. The method of monitoring using the partial skull replacement of the present invention has a minimal influence on intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid flow as compared to a conventional cranial window technique using glass, and, by way of visualizing biological tissues within a skull with enhanced clarity, is expected to be usefully employed as a method of monitoring biological tissues within the skull.

Abstract: A high-frequency light-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) device is provided. The device has a source of light energy, such as a laser, and an optoacoustic lens comprising a concave composite layer with a plurality of light absorbing particles that absorbs laser energy, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and a polymeric material that rapidly expands upon exposure to heat, e.g., polydimethylsiloxane. The laser energy is directed to the optoacoustic lens and thus can generate high-frequency (e.g., ?10 MHz) and high-amplitude pressure output (e.g., ?10 MPa) focused ultrasound. The disclosure also provides methods of making such new arcuate optoacoustic lenses, as well as methods for generating and using the high-frequency and high-amplitude ultrasound, including for surgery, like lithotripsy and ablation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a partial skull replacement consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a method of monitoring biological tissues within a skull using the partial skull replacement. The method of monitoring using the partial skull replacement of the present invention has a minimal influence on intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid flow as compared to a conventional cranial window technique using glass, and, by way of visualizing biological tissues within a skull with enhanced clarity, is expected to be usefully employed as a method of monitoring biological tissues within the skull.

Abstract: A high-frequency light-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) device is provided. The device has a source of light energy, such as a laser, and an optoacoustic lens comprising a concave composite layer with a plurality of light absorbing particles that absorbs laser energy, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and a polymeric material that rapidly expands upon exposure to heat, e.g., polydimethylsiloxane. The laser energy is directed to the optoacoustic lens and thus can generate high-frequency (e.g., ?10 MHz) and high-amplitude pressure output (e.g., ?10 MPa) focused ultrasound. The disclosure also provides methods of making such new arcuate optoacoustic lenses, as well as methods for generating and using the high-frequency and high-amplitude ultrasound, including for surgery, like lithotripsy and ablation.