Development of fast photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system based on slider-crank scanner for small animals and humans study

Abstract

Integrated photoacoustic and ultrasound (PAUS) imaging is a potential imaging method that provides simultaneous in vivo functional, and anatomical information. Several PAUS scanner systems have already been reported, but they are limited to fixed scanning range, low scanning speed, bulky size, unsustainable for long-term use. Here, we report a low-cost fast dual photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system (F-PAUSM) based on custom-made slider-crank and ball-screw mechanisms. This custom-slider-crank mechanism is versatile in terms of changing the scanning range corresponding to a suitable B-scan frame rate for difference scanning areas. F-PAUSM allows us to stably capture wide scanning ranges of 10, 18, and 26 mm corresponding to maximum B-scan frame rates of 30, 26, and 18 Hz, respectively. To demonstrate the capability of the F-PAUSM system, a dragonfly wing, nude mouse ear, and human fingertip are imaged successfully. Furthermore, the numerical analysis is conducted to estimate the fatigue life of the custom-made mechanical parts, then demonstrate that the F-PAUSM system can operate stably for long time in nominal operating conditions. These results demonstrate the potential applications of the F-PAUSM system in biomedical imaging.