Abstract: A vibro-acoustography imaging system that generates a map of the mechanical response of a target to an acoustic radiation force, usually in low kHz range by a confocal geometry. The system generates two focused sinusoidal beams to produce a stress field at the beat frequency, which is a function of vibration and acoustic emissions field in terms of mechanical properties. A highly sensitive hydrophone is then used for detection of the acoustic emissions field, the amplitude of which may be correlated to the mechanical properties of the target tissue.

Abstract: An imaging system and method is disclosed for intraoperative surgical margin assessment in between various tissues and cell groupings having differing physiologic processes. The system uses an array of LED's to pump a target anatomy with a short excitation pulse and measures the lifetime of fluorescence to generate contrast. A relative fluorescence lifetime map is generated corresponding to the measured lifetime to identify boundaries within varying cell groupings and tissues.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing multi-frequency harmonic acoustography for target identification and border detection are described, where a focused confocal transducer having a piezoelectric element and a hydrophone positioned centrally in the piezoelectric element is used. The transducer emits ultrasonic waves toward a target of interest at first and second frequencies. The two waves interfere at a focal plane within the target to generate a third acoustic wave. The target absorbs energy and emits its own unique vibration at the difference frequency (?f) of the two waves as well as its harmonics. The unique vibration is recorded with a hydrophone, and mechanical properties of the target are ascertained through detection and analysis of the third acoustic wave using a mathematical model implemented by a signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A vibro-acoustography imaging system that that generates a map of the mechanical response of a target to an acoustic radiation force, usually in low kHz range by a confocal geometry. The system generates two focused sinusoidal beams to produce a stress field at the beat frequency, which is a function of vibration and acoustic emissions field in terms of mechanical properties. A highly sensitive hydrophone is then used for detection of the acoustic emissions field, the amplitude of which may be correlated to the mechanical properties of the target tissue.