Detection of ultrasound-modulated photons and enhancement with ultrasound microbubbles

摘要

In vivo acousto-optic imaging promises to provide optical contrast at superior ultrasound spatial resolution. The main challenge is to detect ultrasound-modulated photons in the overwhelming presence of un-modulated photons. We have demonstrated in vitro detection of ultrasound-modulated photons with a variety of detection methods. Furthermore, we have detected ultrasound-modulated fluorescence offering potential for acousto-optic molecular imaging. Moreover, we have demonstrated the use of ultrasound microbubbles to significantly enhance the acousto-optic signal at the ultrasound frequency with the additional generation of higher order harmonic frequencies. Here the results from our various detection methods, ultrasound-modulated fluorescence, and enhancement with microbubbles are presented.