Abstract: Systems and methods for non-contact, non-invasive image construction of interior tissue are provided. Electromagnetic (EM) waves may be used to transmit through a high acoustic material or barrier, such as a bone, where the EM wave is then absorbed and converted to ultrasound (US) or audible band acoustic longitudinal waves or shear waves once past the high acoustic impedance barrier. The EM to acoustic converted waves are generated through thermoelastic mechanisms. This enables acoustic waves to propagate in the soft tissue on the opposing side of the barrier while minimizing reverberation and clutter. The US waves propagate within the tissue and may be measured using a detector, such as coherent lidar or optical band multipixel camera noninvasively outside the tissue. Furthermore, a phased array can be used to steer and shape the acoustic radiation pattern of the acoustic waves in the soft tissue beyond the bone or high acoustic impedance barrier.

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 determining tissue changes. Shear waves are transmitted across the tissue in response to an ultrasonic signal input exterior to the tissue surface. Adaptive beam forming signal processing is applied to signal returns and arrivals to remove distortions by targeting velocity contrasts. Shear-wave dispersion, such as due to viscosity and mass changes in the tissue, are then estimated and compared to reference data to determine tissue health.

Abstract: A seismic wave damping system, and a corresponding method, includes elements, embedded within a host medium, the elements defining a seismic damping structure, and the elements being arranged to form a border of a protection zone. The seismic damping structure is configured to attenuate power of a seismic wave, traveling from a distal medium to the host medium, that is incident at the protection zone. The seismic damping structure is characterized by a resonance frequency. The system further includes an anti-resonance damping structure positioned within the protection zone and configured to dampen a residual wave propagating within the protection zone at the resonance frequency. Embodiment systems offer synergistic advantages because resonance frequencies of seismic wave damping structures may be predicted by calculation and an anti-resonance damping structure may be built to attenuate waves of primarily only specific resonance frequencies supported by the seismic wave damping 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 seismic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement including at least one pair of elements, each angled with respect to a vertical and extending into the earth and toward a protection zone. The elements thus form a tapered aperture, the structural arrangement defining the protection zone at an upper portion of the aperture. Each element defines an inner volume and contains a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated seismic wave in earth having a wavelength at least one order of magnitude greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner volume of each of the elements. The medium is at least one of air, gas, water, and viscous fluid. The structural arrangement is configured to attenuate power from the anticipated seismic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated seismic wave external to the protection zone.

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: An elastic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an elastic wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated elastic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated elastic wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of an elastic wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: A seismic, water, or acoustic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of a wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

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: An elastic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an elastic wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated elastic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated elastic wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of an elastic wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: A system and method for determining tissue changes. Shear waves are transmitted across the tissue in response to an ultrasonic signal input exterior to the tissue surface. Adaptive beam forming signal processing is applied to signal returns and arrivals to remove distortions by targeting velocity contrasts. Shear-wave dispersion, such as due to viscosity and mass changes in the tissue, are then estimated and compared to reference data to determine tissue health.

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.