High frequency ultrasound detection with ultra-high-Q silica microspheres

Due to the nondestructive and noninvasive nature of ultrasound imaging, the technique has a variety of applications in many fields, most notably in healthcare and electronics. Ultrasound detection based on optical microcavities has emerged as one accurate and sensitive method. While previous research using polymer microring cavities showed detection based on device deformation, the approach presented here relied on the photoelastic effect. In this effect, the ultrasound wave induces a strain in the medium leading to a refractive index change. This effect was shown experimentally and in a COMSOL simulation with the use of ultra high quality factor silica microspheres. With an increase in quality factor and input power from previous research, the device response is increased and the noise equivalent pressure is decreased. The simulations presented use the finite element method and integrate acoustic and optics components of the system. The predictive accuracy of the simulation is also presented.