Abstract
This paper reviews the theories and applications of electromagnetic–acoustic (EMA) techniques (covering light-induced photoacoustic, microwave-induced thermoacoustic, magnetic-modulated thermoacoustic, and X-ray-induced thermoacoustic) belonging to the more general area of electromagnetic (EM) hybrid techniques. The theories cover excitation of high-power EM field (laser, microwave, magnetic field, and X-ray) and subsequent acoustic wave generation. The applications of EMA methods include structural imaging, blood flowmetry, thermometry, dosimetry for radiation therapy, hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO2) sensing, fingerprint imaging and sensing, glucose sensing, pH sensing, etc. Several other EM-related acoustic methods, including magnetoacoustic, magnetomotive ultrasound, and magnetomotive photoacoustic are also described. It is believed that EMA has great potential in both pre-clinical research and medical practice.
Highlights
Electromagnetic (EM) wave-based imaging and sensing methods have been widely used in clinical practice
EMA techniques are suitable for biological tissues with inhomogeneous EM absorption but relatively homogeneous acoustical properties
Inhomogeneity of EM absorption provides the sensing information or imaging contrast, while the effect of physiological parameters on EM absorptions provides the functional capabilities in the EMA imaging
Summary
Electromagnetic (EM) wave-based imaging and sensing methods have been widely used in clinical practice. That obtain dielectric properties by using an alternating magnetic field or varying current injections All of these EM-based modalities show their internal limitations and cannot meet the stringent requirements (high sensitivity, deep penetration, high spatial resolution, real time, low cost, etc.) of modern biomedical applications. By combining the merits of both EM wave-based (e.g., high-contrast/specificity) and acoustic wave-based (e.g., high resolution and deep penetration) sensing modalities, EMA techniques are considered to provide superior imaging performance than traditional EM methods. This article is intended to provide an overview of the EMA techniques (covering PA, TA, MMTA, and XTA) and focus on the fundamental principles of each technique (electromagnetically and acoustically), along with the major biomedical applications in the last couple of years
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