Abstract: A method for photoacoustic imaging is performed by measuring RF time samples from transducer elements, and reconstructing an estimated initial pressure image from the measured RF time samples and a pre-calculated forward model matrix. The reconstructing involves minimizing the difference between the pre-calculated forward model matrix applied to the image estimate and the measured RF time samples by implementing a superiorized modified conjugate gradient least squares algorithm to minimize the total variation norm. The model matrix factors each of the transducer elements into sub-wavelength mathematical elements.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic measurement probe includes an open-ended hollow radio-frequency (RF) waveguide; at least two RF feeds positioned within the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, wherein each RF feed is configured to provide RF energy; and a thermoacoustic transducer, wherein the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, in the form of a sleeve, surrounds and is mechanically joined to the thermoacoustic transducer.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic probe for a thermoacoustic imaging system, the probe including: a radio-frequency (RF) applicator having an insert, wherein the applicator is configured to transmit at least one radio frequency source; an integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer having a substantially flat-planar side and a substantially convex side, wherein the substantially flat-planar side of the integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer is coupled to the insert of the RF applicator; and an optical transducer coupled to the substantially convex side of the integral electromagnetic matching and acoustic extinction layer.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic probe for a thermoacoustic imaging system, the probe including: a radio-frequency (RF) applicator having an insert, wherein the applicator is configured to transmit at least one radio frequency source; an electromagnetic matching layer coupled to the insert of the RF applicator; an optical transducer that is coupled to the electromagnetic matching layer; and an acoustic matching layer that is coupled to the optical transducer.

Abstract: A radio frequency applicator for a thermoacoustic imaging system is disclosed. The applicator includes, a waveguide with an internal radio frequency source, wherein the waveguide has an opening, an electromagnetic matching layer coupled to the waveguide and proximate to the opening, and an acoustic absorbing layer that is coupled to the matching layer.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic measurement probe may include an open-ended hollow radio-frequency (RF) waveguide; and a thermoacoustic transducer, wherein the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, in the form of a sleeve, surrounds and is mechanically joined to the thermoacoustic transducer.

Abstract: A method for photoacoustic imaging is performed by measuring RF time samples from transducer elements, and reconstructing an estimated initial pressure image from the measured RF time samples and a pre-calculated forward model matrix. The reconstructing involves minimizing the difference between the pre-calculated forward model matrix applied to the image estimate and the measured RF time samples by implementing a superiorized modified conjugate gradient least squares algorithm to minimize the total variation norm. The model matrix factors each of the transducer elements into sub-wavelength mathematical elements.

Abstract: Method for examining bone in vivo, comprises obtaining a laser beam; modulating the laser beam to insert therein photoacoustic frequencies including optical frequencies and acoustic frequencies, the acoustic frequencies being able to give rise to acoustic waves; directing the modulated beam at a bone to cause acoustic waves resulting from the beam to travel through the bone; analyzing received signals from the bone including signals resulting from the acoustic waves, to determine a mineral density and a bone quality for said bone, and thus obtain in-vivo data that can be of assistance to a doctor when diagnosing osteoporosis.

Abstract: Method for examining bone in vivo, comprises obtaining a laser beam; modulating the laser beam to insert therein photoacoustic frequencies including optical frequencies and acoustic frequencies, the acoustic frequencies being able to give rise to acoustic waves; directing the modulated beam at a bone to cause acoustic waves resulting from the beam to travel through the bone; analyzing received signals from the bone including signals resulting from the acoustic waves, to determine a mineral density and a bone quality for said bone, and thus obtain in-vivo data that can be of assistance to a doctor when diagnosing osteoporosis.