Photoacoustic probe
US9587976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A photoacoustic transducer, such as a photoacoustic probe includes an optical fiber, diaphragm, at the optical fiber, whereby the optical fiber and diaphragm define a cavity, and an energy absorption film at the optical fiber, whereby an activating laser directed through the optical fiber can excite the energy absorption film to thereby generate an acoustic wave that, upon reflection upon a remote surface, can deflect the diaphragm and modify reflection of a detecting laser also directed through the optical fiber. A method of detecting an acoustic wave includes directing an activating laser through an optical fiber to an energy absorption film at the optical fiber, directing a detecting laser through the optical fiber and cavity to the diaphragm at the optical fiber, and measuring an interference pattern generated at least in part by reflection of the detecting laser from a surface of the diaphragm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.