Optoacoustic probe
US12186099B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0257
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optoacoustic probe for optoacoustic imaging of a volume, the optoacoustic probe having a distal end operable to contact the volume and a proximal end. The optoacoustic probe includes at least one primary light source and an auxiliary light source that is configured to generate auxiliary light carried through an optical window to a volume. A detection device is configured to detect signals generated from the auxiliary light or primary light reflecting from the volume or the optical window. A microcontroller including one or more processors is also provided, that receives the signals generated from the auxiliary light reflecting from the volume from the detection device, determines contact between the volume and the optoacoustic probe based on the auxiliary light reflecting from the volume, and prevents the at least one primary light source from generating light until the optoacoustic probe is contacting the volume.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.