Iterative reconstruction algorithm for optoacoustic imaging

Optoacoustic imaging is based on the generation of thermoelastic stress waves by heating an object in an optically heterogeneous medium with a short laser pulse. The stress waves contain information about the distribution of structures with preferential optical absorption. Detection of the waves with an array of broadband ultrasound detectors at the surface of the medium and applying a backprojection algorithm is used to create a map of absorbed energy inside the medium. With conventional reconstruction methods a large number of detector elements and filtering of the signals are necessary to reduce backprojection artifacts. As an alternative this study proposes an iterative procedure. The algorithm is designed to minimize the error between measured signals and signals calculated from the reconstructed image. In experiments using broadband optical ultrasound detectors and in simulations the algorithm was used to obtain three-dimensional images of multiple optoacoustic sources. With signals from a planar array of 3x3 detector elements a significant improvement was observed after about 10 iterations compared to the simple radial backprojection. Compared to conventional methods using filtered backprojection, the iterative method is computationally more intensive but requires less time and instrumentation for signal acquisition.     

Numerical evaluation of linearized image reconstruction based on finite element method for biomedical photoacoustic imaging

An image reconstruction algorithm for biomedical photoacoustic imaging is discussed. The algorithm solves the inverse problem of the photoacoustic phenomenon in biological media and images the distribution of large optical absorption coefficients, which can indicate diseased tissues such as cancers with angiogenesis and the tissues labeled by exogenous photon absorbers. The linearized forward problem, which relates the absorption coefficients to the detected photoacoustic signals, is formulated by using photon diffusion and photoacoustic wave equations. Both partial differential equations are solved by a finite element method. The inverse problem is solved by truncated singular value decomposition, which reduces the effects of the measurement noise and the errors between forward modeling and actual measurement systems. The spatial resolution and the robustness to various factors affecting the image reconstruction are evaluated by numerical experiments with 2D geometry.     

Optoacoustic imaging with synthetic aperture focusing and coherence weighting

Optoacoustic imaging takes advantage of high optical contrast and low acoustic scattering and has found several biomedical applications. In the common backward mode a laser beam illuminates the image object, and an acoustic transducer located on the same side as the laser beam detects the optoacoustic signal produced by thermoelastic effects. A cross-sectional image is formed by laterally scanning the laser beam and the transducer. Although the laser beam width is generally narrow to provide good lateral resolution, strong optical scattering in tissue broadens the optical illumination pattern and thus degrades the lateral resolution. To solve this problem, a combination of the synthetic aperture focusing technique with coherence weighting is proposed. This method synthesizes a large aperture by summing properly delayed signals received at different positions. The focusing quality is further improved by using the signal coherence as an image quality index. A phantom comprising hair threads in a 1% milk solution was imaged with an optoacoustic imaging system. The results show that the proposed technique improved lateral resolution by 400-800% and the signal-to-noise ratio by 7-23 dB over conventional techniques.     

基于双积分球的宽光谱组织光学参数测量系统与方法研究

组织光学参数测量是生物医学光子学的主要研究内容之一,人体组织光学性质与其生理病理状态密切相关。近年来,利用组织光学特性,特别是吸收与散射特性进行组织成像诊断及无创成分检测成为生物医学光子学领域研究热点,为肿瘤早期诊断、代谢动态监护及光动力治疗等临床应用提供了基础。双积分球方法能够同时测量离体组织吸收系数、散射系数等,具有测量准确、快速,适用范围大等优点,作为光学参数测量的标准方法得到广泛研究与应用。利用双积分球及超连续激光器搭建了宽光谱的组织光学参数测量系统,分析了积分球测量传递函数与误差来源及系统最佳测量条件,建立了基于BP-MCML的系统校正正向模型与L-M算法的光学参数反构算法。在此基础上,测量了1 100～1 400 nm连续宽谱范围内Intralipid溶液光学参数,实验结果表明改进后反构算法测量结果比较准确,多次测量标准偏差在3%以内,不同波长下约化散射系数及吸收系数测量结果与其他研究小组得到的测量结果对比,偏差小于3.4%。     

Intermediate regime of light diffraction by surface ultrasonic waves in planar gyrotropic optical waveguides

The intermediate regime of optoacoustic interaction, similar to the Bragg one, with Rayleigh surface ultrasonic waves in gyrotropic planar waveguides is studied. A system of equations of bound waves is presented that describes planar optoacoustic interaction in the intermediate, Raman-Natoh, and Bragg regimes of light diffraction by surface ultrasonic waves. It is shown that the optical activity of a wavequide film favors the incident light energy pumping to diffracted light for a TE-polarization wave and decelerates this process for an incident TM-polarization wave. Mozyr' State Pedagogical Institute, 28, Studencheskaya St., Mozyr', 247760, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 412–416, May–June, 1997.     

Focused array transducer for two-dimensional optoacoustic tomography

Optoacoustic (OA) imaging utilizes short laser pulses to create acoustic sources in tissue and time resolved detection of generated pressure profiles for image reconstruction. The ultrasonic transients provide information on the distribution of optical absorption coefficient that can be useful for early cancer diagnostics. In this work a new design of wide-band array transducer is developed and tested. The array consists of 32 focused piezo-elements made of PVDF slabs imposed on a cylindrical surface. A single array element response to an OA signal coming from arbitrarily located point source is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The measured signals correspond well to numerically calculated ones. Focal zone maps of the elements with aperture angles 30 degrees and 60 degrees are presented and discussed; the resolution in direction perpendicular to the imaging plane is determined. Point spread function of the whole array is calculated using experimentally obtained signals from the sources located at different distances from the array. Backprojection algorithm is employed for reconstruction of the optoacoustic images. It is shown that the spatial resolution of the images yielded by the proposed array increases significantly compared to previous transducer designs.     

基于时间分辨测量的近红外光三维层析成像研究

针对近红外漫射光层析成像中的三维成像问题展开了理论和实验研究.利用开发的以强度和平均飞行时间作为数据类型的三维重建算法对数值仿真模型进行了重建,同时采用多通道时间相关单光子计数层析成像系统对固体样品进行了三维成像.结果表明：所发展的算法较忠实地重建出了样品内部的异质体结构;采用的差分重建方法有利于提高重建的抗噪性能;提出的单层测头配置模式对于三维成像具有实际意义.     

Wavefront reconstruction by two-step generalized phase-shifting interferometry

A wavefront reconstruction method by two-step generalized phase-shifting interferometry (GPSI) with blind phase shift extraction algorithm is verified by both the computer simulations and optical experiments. This method can retrieve complex object wave field by using two interferograms, the recorded object and reference wave intensities, and an unknown phase shift without additional processing. The simulations with irregular wavefronts have shown the effectiveness and high accuracy of this method for blind phase-shift extraction and wavefront reconstruction over a wide range of phase-shifts, while the optical experiments for both the direct and indirect objects have yielded satisfactory results with a higher resolution of reconstructed image than those reported recently.     

Integral three-dimensional imaging with digital reconstruction

A computed three-dimensional (3-D) display system based on integral imaging is presented. The 3-D image is reconstructed by numerical processing of an optically observed image array formed by a microlens array. The algorithm for reconstructing 3-D images is robust, and it enables us to obtain the images viewed from arbitrary directions. This computer-based image retrieval makes it possible to improve qualities of the image such as contrast, brightness, and resolution by numerical techniques. Also, this method eliminates the need for special purpose optical equipment such as high-quality liquid-crystal display and micro-optics components to display the 3-D images. We present experimental results of 3-D image reconstruction to test and verify the performance of the algorithms and the imaging system.     

Image reconstruction in optoacoustic tomography for dispersive acoustic media

Conventional image reconstruction methods for optoacoustic tomography (OAT) assume an idealized, non-dispersive acoustic medium. However, the linear attenuation coefficient and the phase velocity of acoustic waves propagating in soft tissue depend on temporal frequency and satisfy a known dispersion law. These frequency-dependent effects are incorporated into an optoacoustic wave equation, and a corresponding reconstruction method for OAT is developed. The improvement in image fidelity that can be achieved over conventional reconstruction methods is demonstrated by use of computer-simulation studies.     

Application of the laser generated focused-Lamb wave for non-contact imaging of defects in plate

The laser generation method of focused-Lamb wave is expected to have high defect-detection ability with advantages of non-contact testing. In this method, the laser beam is illuminated on the surface of the object through an arrayed-arc slit, and then the energy of the generated Lamb wave is concentrated on the focus point of arc. This focusing effect enables the concentration of higher wave intensity on the focus with better S/N ratio of signal, and has better spatial resolution compared to the conventional line arrayed method. This paper describes a 2-D imaging system using this laser generated, focused-Lamb wave combined with its detection by the air-coupled transducer. This technique is fully non-contact so it can be easily applied for the automatic inspection. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by experiments on a 1-mm thick aluminum plate with artificial drill-hole defect with diameters of 1mm. The 2-D image of was constructed by scanning and the result showed that the location and size of defects were clearly detected.     

An Acceleration Algorithm for Image Reconstruction Based on Continuous-Discrete Mapping Model

In image reconstruction for X-ray computed tomography, images reconstructed by filtered backprojection (FBP) include systematic errors because the FBP method does not take into account some of the properties of the actual imaging system such as the divergence of X-ray beam. One solution to this problem is to use algebraic reconstruction methods, such as generalized analytic reconstruction from discrete samples and natural pixel decomposition. However, in the process of reconstruction using these methods, it is necessary to solve the linear algebraic equations which have a large coefficient matrix. In this paper, we propose a method to accelerate the iteration solving these equations by preconditioning the coefficient matrix using a polynomial function. The results of the computer simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Optical Automatic Focusing with Interference Fringes

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基于衍射光学元件色散特征的三维建模系统

为了重建复杂形状的三维物体,在此提出了一种便捷的基于衍射光学元件（DOE）色散成像特性的三维建模算法,该算法在一种新型的三维建模系统中实现,它充分利用了DOE在红外波段的模式投影和探测.给出了重建复杂形状的三维物体的仿真试验结果,证明该算法及系统的有效性和可行性.     

光学扫描全息术研究进展

光学成像技术极大地拓展了人类的视觉极限,提高了人们观察和理解现实世界的能力。越多地获得目标的光学信息,对其的认识越充分。数字全息术是一种可以将样本的三维信息以二维全息图的形式编码记录下来的一种成像技术。通过获得由携带物体信息的物光波和参考光波叠加产生的干涉图案,可以以数字化的方式实现多种重建模态,例如图像恢复、相位成像和切片成像等。光学扫描全息术是一种独特的数字全息成像技术,通过主动式二维化扫描对三维物体进行成像,其完整的波前信息可以被单像素探测器记录,并基于光外差检测进行信号解调,从而恢复出复数全息图。对光学扫描全息术的最新进展进行介绍。首先,基于双光瞳成像系统,通过特殊的硬件和算法设计,提高光学成像系统的性能,如提高空间分辨率、缩短扫描时间。其次,基于计算成像原理,通过改进和优化全息像重建算法,实现高质量的图像恢复,主要涉及切片成像和三维成像等重建模态。第三,介绍光学扫描全息术的其他研究方向,并讨论该领域未来可能的发展方向。     

Total variation based gradient descent algorithm for sparse-view photoacoustic image reconstruction

In photoacoustic imaging (PAI), reconstruction from sparse-view sampling data is a remaining challenge in the cases of fast or real-time imaging. In this paper, we present our study on a total variation based gradient descent (TV-GD) algorithm for sparse-view PAI reconstruction. This algorithm involves the total variation (TV) method in compressed sensing (CS) theory. The objective function of the algorithm is modified by adding the TV value of the reconstructed image. With this modification, the reconstructed image could be closer to the real optical energy distribution map. Additionally in the proposed algorithm, the photoacoustic data is processed and the image is updated individually at each detection point. In this way, the calculation with large matrix can be avoided and a more frequent image update can be obtained. Through the numerical simulations, the proposed algorithm is verified and compared with other reconstruction algorithms which have been widely used in PAI. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the image reconstructed by this algorithm is higher than those by the other algorithms. Additionally, the convergence of the algorithm, the robustness to noise and the tunable parameter are further discussed. The TV-based algorithm is also implemented in the in vitro experiment. The better performance of the proposed method is revealed in the experiments results. From the results, it is seen that the TV-GD algorithm may be a practical and efficient algorithm for sparse-view PAI reconstruction.     

Effects of the approximations of light propagation on quantitative photoacoustic tomography using two-dimensional photon diffusion equation and linearization

Quantitative photoacoustic tomography (QPAT) employing a light propagation model will play an important role in medical diagnoses by quantifying the concentration of hemoglobin or a contrast agent. However, QPAT by the light propagation model with the three-dimensional (3D) radiative transfer equation (RTE) requires a huge computational load in the iterative forward calculations involved in the updating process to reconstruct the absorption coefficient. The approximations of the light propagation improve the efficiency of the image reconstruction for the QPAT. In this study, we compared the 3D/two-dimensional (2D) photon diffusion equation (PDE) approximating 3D RTE with the Monte Carlo simulation based on 3D RTE. Then, the errors in a 2D PDE-based linearized image reconstruction caused by the approximations were quantitatively demonstrated and discussed in the numerical simulations. It was clearly observed that the approximations affected the reconstructed absorption coefficient. The 2D PDE-based linearized algorithm succeeded in the image reconstruction of the region with a large absorption coefficient in the 3D phantom. The value reconstructed in the phantom experiment agreed with that in the numerical simulation, so that it was validated that the numerical simulation of the image reconstruction predicted the relationship between the true absorption coefficient of the target in the 3D medium and the reconstructed value with the 2D PDE-based linearized algorithm. Moreover, the the true absorption coefficient in 3D medium was estimated from the 2D reconstructed image on the basis of the prediction by the numerical simulation. The estimation was successful in the phantom experiment, although some limitations were revealed.

     

Optical and optoacoustic measurements of the absorption properties of spherical gold nanoparticles within a highly scattering medium

In the present paper the requirements for optical parameter characterization of absorbing materials located within a highly scattering medium has been addressed. The measurement scheme incorporates the optoacoustic technique where a single acoustic transducer is used to detect ultrasonic transients generated from laser irradiation. The absorbing medium is based on different concentrations of spherical gold nanoparticles (SGNP’s), these are currently being considered as non-toxic targeted optical contrast agents for both medical imaging and cancer therapeutics. In this paper we present results which demonstrate the two main advantages the optoacoustic technique has over other measurement schemes. These are the possibility to obtain information on the position and dimensions of absorbing bodies using a time of flight analysis (TOF) and secondly, the higher sensitivity of the optoacoustics compared to optical transmission techniques. The former advantage is of particular interest for imaging applications and the latter for detection and characterization of absorbing materials surrounded by high levels of high scattering mediums. We present for the first time the characterization of SGNP within a highly scattering medium. To further demonstrate the feasibility of the optoacoustic technique, the scattering coefficient of the surrounding medium has also been characterized.     

无透镜显微成像的重构算法研究

针对单幅图像进行了无透镜显微成像的重构算法研究，介绍了无透镜显微成像系统实验装置和ASM(angle spectrum method)、改编后的L-R(Lucy-Richardson)两种重构算法。对比两种算法重构后的USAF分辨率板图像的分辨率，利用瑞利判据得出ASM获得的振幅图分辨率最高(即3.10 μm)，且计算用时最少(即0.9 s)，证明了ASM为最佳的单幅无透镜显微重构算法。其次，利用无透镜显微成像系统结合ASM重构的方法，进行细胞成像实验。该无透镜成像视场为5×显微镜的4.4倍，且分辨率介于5×及10×光学显微镜之间，统计学优势明显，在生物医学领域具有广阔的应用前景。     

Experimental study using optoacoustic spectroscopy (OAS) on spherical gold nanoparticles

In this paper a spectroscopic characterisation method based on the optoacoustic technique has been used to investigate the optical properties of two separate spherical gold nanoparticle (SGNP) solutions where an absorption peak located at 520 nm has been observed. This analysis has been carried out over the visible wavelength range from 410 to 650 nm using a Q-switched Nd:YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO). To verify the reliability of optoacoustic spectroscopy (OAS), the results obtained have been compared to those from more standard and limited spectrophotometer and reference collimated optical transmission schemes, where good agreement is shown. The experimental procedure presented here demonstrates the potential of this technique for integration along with optoacoustic imaging methods to identify physiological information for non-destructive in-vivo applications.