Abstract: The optical fiber with an acoustically sensitive fiber Bragg grating includes an optical fiber core with a pair of fiber Bragg gratings formed therein, such that each of the fiber Bragg gratings is spaced apart from the other. A cladding material is disposed on and surrounds at least a portion of the optical fiber core. The cladding material has at least one material property associated therewith, where the at least one material property may be a smaller Young's modulus than a Young's modulus of the optical fiber core, a larger photo-elastic coefficient than a photo-elastic coefficient of the optical fiber core, or combinations thereof. An ultrasound sensor includes at least one of the optical fibers embedded in a polymer layer, along with a backing layer and an acoustic matching layer.

Abstract: Optical fiber based acoustic sensors are provided herein. The optical fiber based acoustic sensors described herein include acoustically responsive optical structures configured to detect and receive acoustic signals, including ultrasound signals, and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, and imaging capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.

Abstract: Mixed sensor array devices are provided herein. Mixed sensor arrays as described herein include acoustic energy generating elements and optical fiber based acoustic sensors. Optical fiber based sensors may optical structures responsive to physical parameters including acoustic signals, pressure, and temperature, and are configured to detect and receive acoustic signals and other physical parameters and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, imaging, and other sensing capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.

Abstract: A transponder is used for tracking a position of a distal end of a medical device in an ultrasound image and/or enhancing an ultrasound image.

Abstract: Optical fiber based acoustic sensors are provided herein. The optical fiber based acoustic sensors described herein include acoustically responsive optical structures configured to detect and receive acoustic signals, including ultrasound signals, and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, and imaging capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices. Optical fiber based sensors may provide a compact technology with high sensitivity to visualize and track objects and provide anatomical imaging.