A simultaneous multiple-section photoacoustic imaging technique based on acoustic lens

In this paper, we propose a simultaneous multiple-slice photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique by utilizing an acoustic lens with parallel imaging ability. Our method can directly image multiple slices of the three-dimensional (3D) PA images in real-time without utilizing special reconstruction algorithms. Combining the advantages of an acoustic lens with long focal depth and a fast data acquisition system with high sampling rate, the new system can acquire all slices of a 3D object simultaneously. This is achieved by utilizing the time-resolved technique that allows to distinguish PA signals from different object planes. According to the experiment results, the reconstructed sectional images match the original samples well. The proposed technique provides a fast and reliable approach to multiple-section PA imaging. Our study can be applied to noninvasive imaging and medical diagnosis.