Analysis and verification of dominant factor to obtain the high resolution photo-acoustic imaging

Our goal is to develop a photo-acoustic imaging (PAI) system which offers functional image of living tissues and organs with high resolution. In order to obtain high resolution image, we implemented the Fourier transform reconstruction algorithm which determines an optical absorption distribution from photo-acoustic (PA) signals. However, resolutions of reconstructed images were restricted by the sensor directionality, finite scan width and frequency band width. There was an essential requirement to optimize the sensor specification. In this study, we demonstrated relationship between image resolution and sensor specification by simulation and experiment. In our experimental system, PA signals were acquired by line scanning of our fabricated P(VDF/TrFE) film sensor. As results of simulations and experiments, lateral resolutions of PA images were restricted by the directionality of sensor. Furthermore, by limiting scan width and frequency band width, lateral resolution is decreased at deep region. The optimum sensor specification depends on the imaging region due to some trade-offs, for example, a sensor with wider directionality has less sensitivity, wider scan in same step increases acquisition time. Therefore, the results could indicate the possibility of optimizing sensor directionality, scan width and frequency band width for various depths and volumes of imaging region.