In-line Photoacoustic Imaging Combined with Ultrasound Probes Designed for Medical Imaging and Biomedical Research

New technology extends existing capabilities of an ultrasound transducer with the ability to acquire photoacoustic data.

The University of Arizona’s Office of Technology Transfer (Tucson, USA) has recently licensed in-line photoacoustic imaging technology to Zonare Medical Systems, Inc. (Mountain View, CA, USA).

In-line photoacoustic imaging has potential application in future medical diagnostic equipment ranging from cancer detection to helping in the early diagnosis of neurologic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The device exploits the photoacoustic effect, a process that transforms light to acoustic waves due to absorption, transient heating and thermal expansion. The technology combines laser light into tissue while detecting the generated ultrasonic waves. The simplicity in the design potentially enables the development of low cost photoacoustic probes built upon existing ultrasound probes.

Dr. Glen McLaughlin, founder/CTO for Zonare Medical Systems believes, “This invention would greatly simplify the setup of photoacoustic imaging coupled with traditional ultrasound probes for medical imaging and biomedical research.”

Dr. Eugene Cochran, senior licensing associate, UA OTT believes that Zonare is well situated for working collaboratively with the University inventors to realize a new medical imaging modality--the method and apparatus extends existing capabilities of an ultrasound transducer with the ability to acquire photoacoustic data.

Related Links:
University of Arizona’s Office of Technology Transfer
Zonare Medical Systems