Real-time photoacoustic imaging based on multielement linear transducer array

A real-time photoacoustic (PA) imaging system based on multi-element linear transducer array was developed and test on phantoms. A Q switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm and 20Hz repeat rate was used in our experiment as thermal source. The multi-element linear transducer array consists of 320 elements. By phase-controlled method, 64 signals, one of which gathered by 11-group element, make up of an image. It was acquired in only about 3 seconds. Phantom experiment results can map the distribution of the optical absorption correctly. Compared to other existing technology and algorithm, the PA imaging based on transducer array was characterize by speediness and convenience. It can provide a new approach for tissue functional imaging in vivo, and may have potentials in developing into an appliance for clinic diagnosis.