Abstract: Methods and system for producing combined photoacoustic/ultrasonic image frames use a low-power narrow beam laser to direct sequential pulses along a path overlying an internal region of interest. Photoacoustic responses are received and used to generate sub-frames. Between each of the laser pulses a plurality of ultrasound pulse-echo beams are sequentially emitted towards the region of interest, and the reflections are received and used to generate ultrasound sub-frames. The photoacoustic sub-frames are combined to produce a photoacoustic frame, and the ultrasound sub-frames are combined to produce an ultrasound frame. The photoacoustic and ultrasound frames are combined to produce an image frame. The method and system are suitable for producing real-time, high-contrast video.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.

Abstract: Methods and system for producing combined photoacoustic/ultrasonic image frames use a low-power narrow beam laser to direct sequential pulses along a path overlying an internal region of interest. Photoacoustic responses are received and used to generate sub-frames. Between each of the laser pulses a plurality of ultrasound pulse-echo beams are sequentially emitted towards the region of interest, and the reflections are received and used to generate ultrasound sub-frames. The photoacoustic sub-frames are combined to produce a photoacoustic frame, and the ultrasound sub-frames are combined to produce an ultrasound frame. The photoacoustic and ultrasound frames are combined to produce an image frame. The method and system are suitable for producing real-time, high-contrast video.

Abstract: Composites formed from a liquid core encapsulated by a plurality of nanoparticles are provided herein. The composites in certain embodiments are droplets comprising a hydrophobic dispersed phase within a hydrophilic continuous phase, thereby forming an emulsion. The composites can be used as contrast agents for imaging, therapeutic agents, and adapted for other uses according to the unique properties of the composites disclosed herein.

Abstract: A contrast improvement method and system for photoacoustic imaging decomposes a photoacoustic image into a plurality of subband images using a set of filters, and integrates the subband images to form an integrated image. The subband images may be pseudo colored and weighted to improve contrast of the photoacoustic image.

Abstract: A probe composite for photoacoustic imaging includes a first probe and the second probe mixed with each other. The first probe includes a first ligand and a first nanorod conjugated to the first ligand. The first ligand specifically interacts with a first target. The second probe includes a second ligand and a second nanorod conjugated to the second ligand. The second ligand specifically interacts with a second target.

Abstract: A contrast improvement method and system for photoacoustic imaging decomposes a photoacoustic image into a plurality of subband images using a set of filters, and integrates the subband images to form an integrated image. The subband images may be pseudo colored and weighted to improve contrast of the photoacoustic image.