Abstract: Provided herein are the systems, methods, components for a three-dimensional tomography system. The system is a dual-modality imaging system that incorporates a laser ultrasonic system and a laser optoacoustic system. The dual-modality imaging system generates tomographic images of a volume of interest in a subject body based on speed of sound, ultrasound attenuation and/or ultrasound backscattering and for generating optoacoustic tomographic images of distribution of the optical absorption coefficient in the subject body based on absorbed optical energy density or various quantitative parameters derivable therefrom. Also provided is a method for increasing contrast, resolution and accuracy of quantitative information obtained within a subject utilizing the dual-modality imaging system.

Abstract: Provided herein are the systems, methods, components for a three-dimensional tomography system. The system is a dual-modality imaging system that incorporates a laser ultrasonic system and a laser optoacoustic system. The dual-modality imaging system generates tomographic images of a volume of interest in a subject body based on speed of sound, ultrasound attenuation and/or ultrasound backscattering and for generating optoacoustic tomographic images of distribution of the optical absorption coefficient in the subject body based on absorbed optical energy density or various quantitative parameters derivable therefrom. Also provided is a method for increasing contrast, resolution and accuracy of quantitative information obtained within a subject utilizing the dual-modality imaging system.

Abstract: A real-time imaging system that provides ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging coregistered through application of the same hand-held probe to generate and detect ultrasonic and optoacoustic signals. These signals are digitized, processed and used to reconstruct anatomical maps superimposed with maps of two functional parameters of blood hemoglobin index and blood oxygenation index. The blood hemoglobin index represents blood hemoglobin concentration changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background blood concentration. The blood oxygenation index represents blood oxygenation changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background level of blood oxygenation. These coregistered maps can be used to noninvasively differentiate malignant tumors from benign lumps and cysts.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a hand-held imaging probe having a light emitting portion and an array of ultrasonic transducers. The probe includes an acoustic lens having an optically reflective material that operates to avoid image artifacts associated with light interactions with the acoustic lens. The optically reflective material may be a thin, highly optically reflective metallic layer. The acoustic lens may be formed from a material such as silicone rubber filled with titanium dioxide or barium sulfate that allows it to reflect and scatter light from illumination components with substantially no absorption of such light, and yet be optically opaque. The probe may include a housing that provides hypo-echoic encapsulation of the probe. An assembly of the array of ultrasonic transducers may include a hypo-echoic material. The probe may include optical windows, each comprising one or more anti-reflection coated plates with acoustic impedance matching that of tissues to be imaged.

Abstract: A real-time imaging method that provides ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging coregistered through application of the same hand-held probe to generate and detect ultrasonic and optoacoustic signals. These signals are digitized, processed and used to reconstruct anatomical maps superimposed with maps of two functional parameters of blood hemoglobin index and blood oxygenation index. The blood hemoglobin index represents blood hemoglobin concentration changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background blood concentration. The blood oxygenation index represents blood oxygenation changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background level of blood oxygenation. These coregistered maps can be used to noninvasively differentiate malignant tumors from benign lumps and cysts.

Abstract: A real-time imaging system that provides ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging coregistered through application of the same hand-held probe to generate and detect ultrasonic and optoacoustic signals. These signals are digitized, processed and used to reconstruct anatomical maps superimposed with maps of two functional parameters of blood hemoglobin index and blood oxygenation index. The blood hemoglobin index represents blood hemoglobin concentration changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background blood concentration. The blood oxygenation index represents blood oxygenation changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background level of blood oxygenation. These coregistered maps can be used to noninvasively differentiate malignant tumors from benign lumps and cysts.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a hand-held imaging probe having a light emitting portion and an array of ultrasonic transducers. The probe includes an acoustic lens having an optically reflective material that operates to avoid image artifacts associated with light interactions with the acoustic lens. The optically reflective material may be a thin, highly optically reflective metallic layer. The acoustic lens may be formed from a material such as silicon rubber filled with titanium dioxide or barium sulfate that allows it to reflect and scatter light from illumination components with substantially no absorption of such light, and yet be optically opaque. The probe may include a housing that provides hypo-echoic encapsulation of the probe. An assembly of the array of ultrasonic transducers may include a hypo-echoic material. The probe may include optical windows, each comprising one or more anti-reflection-coated plates with acoustic impedance matching that of tissues to be imaged.

Abstract: A real-time imaging system that provides ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging coregistered through application of the same hand-held probe to generate and detect ultrasonic and optoacoustic signals. These signals are digitized, processed and used to reconstruct anatomical maps superimposed with maps of two functional parameters of blood hemoglobin index and blood oxygenation index. The blood hemoglobin index represents blood hemoglobin concentration changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background blood concentration. The blood oxygenation index represents blood oxygenation changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background level of blood oxygenation. These coregistered maps can be used to noninvasively differentiate malignant tumors from benign lumps and cysts.

Abstract: Provided herein are the systems, methods, components for a three-dimensional tomography system. The system is a dual-modality imaging system incorporates a laser ultrasonic system and a laser optoacoustic system. The dual-modality imaging system has means for generate tomographic images of a volume of interest in a subject body based on speed of sound, ultrasound attenuation and/or ultrasound backscattering and for generating optoacoustic tomographic images of distribution of the optical absorption coefficient in the subject body based on absorbed optical energy density or various quantitative parameters derivable therefrom. Also provided is a method for increasing contrast, resolution and accuracy of quantitative information obtained within a subject utilizing the dual-modality imaging system.

Abstract: Provided herein are scanning, high-resolution optoacoustic imaging systems or microscopes. Generally, the system/microscope comprises subsystems for scanning a tissue or object therein with a wavelength of electromagnetic energy, such as optical energy, collecting and detecting ultrasonic waves produced when the tissue or object absorbs the incident wavelength and converting the same to an electrical signal, and for processing, analyzing and displaying the electrical signal as a digital image. Specifically, the system/microscope utilizes an off-axis parabolic reflector with a high numerical aperture value for deep tissue visualization. Also, provided is a method for collecting volumetric image data voxel-by-voxel within a subject utilizing the imaging system or microscope. A series of voxels within the scanned tissue produces detectable ultrasonic waves that are collected by the off-axis parabolic reflector and processed as described as a high-resolution image of the tissue or object therein.