Photoacoustic Imaging using Diode Laser for Soft Tissue Visualization

This study aimed to develop a photoacoustic imaging system using a diode laser as a radiation source, and a condenser microphone as a soft-tissue image detector. These tools were set in a static position and combined with the mechanic component to move the object table in the X-Y direction and were controlled by a computer with a LabView program. The result showed the built photoacoustic imaging system was used to analyze soft tissue using a diode laser in the frequency range of over 15 kHz with a 24%-47% duty cycle modulation. Furthermore, the minimum shift of the mechanic component X-Y stage was 0.02 mm, the sampling data rate was 1 second/pixel, and the image showed soft tissue intensity is generally higher than non-biological materials.