Reflective-shell Photoacoustic Probe for Redirecting Scattered Light to Enhance Imaging Depth and Contrast
This approach distinguishes itself from conventional photoacoustic probes by integrating a photon-recycling reflector directly into the probe architecture. Rather than relying solely on forward‐directed illumination, the design harnesses multiple geometries—single-fiber, multi-fiber, fiber-array and segmented reflectors—to tailor light diffusion and acoustic coupling. High-efficiency coatings and acoustic-matching media reduce energy losses, while the reflective shell improves signal‐to‐noise ratio and imaging depth without added external optics. The unified imaging-and-treatment workflow further sets it apart by enabling on-demand phototherapeutic interventions immediately after lesion localization.
Description
The present invention is a novel device that can enhance the effective intensity and diffusivity of a light source to illuminate a target imaging area at depth. The apparatus consists of a conical or spherical light collector (or collimator) coated with highly reflective materials inside and either a single element light source or array embedded to the inner side of the collector. This new technology and designed apparatus work based on two physical principles: (a) the highly reflective surface inside the collector will catch the light reflected and scattered from the target surface, which will escape otherwise, and redirect light onto the surface with enhanced irradiation intensity; and (b) the canonical shape and reflective coating will allow multiple bouncing of light in random directions and redistribute light energy onto the target surface with enhanced uniformity of light energy (diffusiveness). With these mechanisms together, the light source illuminates the target surface with high intensity and uniformity, allowing penetration of light into deep without increasing the source energy.Applications
Deep tissue photoacoustic imagingImage-guided photothermal therapy
Tumor margin detection
Vascular structure visualization
Contrast-enhanced molecular imaging
Advantages
Enhanced light collection and recirculation boost local light intensity for stronger photoacoustic signalsImproved light diffusivity enables deeper penetration and greater imaging depth
High-reflectivity coatings (up to 99 %) maximize energy recapture and improve signal-to-noise ratio
Transparent regions permit visible-light transmission for real-time specimen viewing
Modular reflector geometries (parabolic, plano-convex, segmented, etc.) adapt to varied clinical and research needs
Seamless integration with phototherapy wavelengths allows guided treatment following imaging
Versatile fiber/transducer array configurations support high-resolution, non-invasive imaging