Abstract: A system and method for image reconstruction for non-contact ultrasound is provided, where maps or ultrasound images of a subject may be generated without physically contacting the subject. Adjusting or optimizing the photoacoustic excitation system may be performed, such as with beam shaping, surface modifications, or closed-loop automated adjustments. 2D and/or 3D spatial locations of source and receiver laser spots may be used to provide a spatial reference location for ultrasound image reconstruction in a clinically efficacious manner. In addition, point tracking, surface profile characterization, laser adjustments, and/or surface enhancements may be used to facilitate image reconstruction of the subject.

Abstract: A system and method for noncontact ultrasound imagery capable of generating images in a manner that is safer for eyes and skin is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed to direct light signals with wavelengths of 1400-1600 nanometers into the patient to generate acoustic disturbances that induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances may be translated in defined directions to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, generate a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the scatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient may be generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination. Ultrasound images can be generated without physically contacting the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for generating ultrasound images of a subject without physically contacting the subject is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed that directed into a scanning mirror to transmit acoustic disturbances into a patient to induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances are translated along the patient in a defined direction to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the backscatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient are generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination.

Abstract: Non-contact ultrasound imaging system. The system includes a pulsed near infrared scanning laser source for illuminating a surface of a structure to generate ultrasonic elastic waves that propagate into the structure. A laser Doppler vibrometer measures vibration of the surface caused by the propagating ultrasonic waves in the structure and a data acquisition module processes data from the vibrometer to construct an image of the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for noncontact ultrasound imagery capable of generating images in a manner that is safer for eyes and skin is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed to direct light signals with wavelengths of 1400-1600 nanometers into the patient to generate acoustic disturbances that induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances may be translated in defined directions to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, generate a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the scatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient may be generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination. Ultrasound images can be generated without physically contacting the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for generating ultrasound images of a subject without physically contacting the subject is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed that directed into a scanning mirror to transmit acoustic disturbances into a patient to induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances are translated along the patient in a defined direction to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the backscatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient are generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination.

Abstract: A kit for detecting the presence of an explosive includes a pulsed focused energy source located at a target distance away from a substrate, the energy having a magnitude sufficient to release the internal energy of an explosive if present on the substrate and thereby generate an acoustic wave. The kit also includes a detector adapted to detect the acoustic wave at a detection distance away from the substrate.

Abstract: A kit for detecting the presence of an explosive includes a pulsed focused energy source located at a target distance away from a substrate, the energy having a magnitude sufficient to release the internal energy of an explosive if present on the substrate and thereby generate an acoustic wave. The kit also includes a detector adapted to detect the acoustic wave at a detection distance away from the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.