Photo-acoustic Imaging

Optical imaging techniques are widely used for in-vivo applications because of high detection sensitivity and spatial resolution; however, they cannot be used for the observation deep inside a body due to the low transmission of light in living tissues. On the other hand, sound wave propagates effectively through living tissues. Photo-acoustic imaging is a novel modality to detect the ultrasound generated by the sudden volume expansion due to the light absorption, which would combine the merits of optical and ultrasonic techniques. Our research interest focuses on the mechanism of the photo-acoustic wave generation from a nano-particle contrast agent and the development of efficient molecular probes for photo-acoustic imaging.