Photoacoustic-based medical imaging combines the resolution of light-based imaging and the depth penetration of sound-based imaging.
In 1880, Alexander Graham Bell discovered that certain materials emit sound waves when struck by pulses of light. Today's IC and photonics technology can turn this concept into unique chips for non-invasive medical imaging. Applications range from cortisol sensing to functional brain imaging. Complementing X-ray, MRI and ultrasound.
The technique uses no fluorescent labels or tags. Instead, it makes use of the different light absorption spectra of (distinct tissue types, such as) blood vessels, fat tissue etc. By illuminating the tissue at various wavelengths, different structures can be visualized simultaneously in one image.
This technique uses light sources with only one or a few wavelengths, depending on the absorption peak of the target structure or molecule. These are typically high-power pulsating light sources.
Photoacoustics can be applied to identify biomolecules and their concentration based on their unique spectral signature. This application requires a tunable light source or one with a broad wavelength range.
Imec’s silicon and silicon nitride integrated photonic platforms form the backbone of its photoacoustics systems-in-package. It comprises on-chip waveguides, ring resonators, spectrometers, couplers, etc. Based on these components, integrated light sources and microphones are realized towards high-performant and cost-effective photoacoustic solutions.
Imec developed integrated light sources for both PAI and PAS:
The generated sound waves can be detected by (an array) of microphones. The more sensitive the microphone, the deeper in the tissue one can listen. The optomechanical ultrasound sensor (OMUS) developed by imec consists of:
The OMUS is recognized as a new benchmark within the photoacoustic imaging community. This is because of its exquisite performance in terms of sensitivity and noise – two orders of magnitude better than the state of the art.
The data generated by the integrated microphones are subsequently reconstructed to a high-resolution image, indicating the presence of specific molecules and structures. This requires advanced machine learning and data analysis.
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Imec is now building Proof-of-Concept demonstrators to enable collaborations with both clinical and industral partners towards clinical use of this exciting new technology. Are you working on a next-gen medical imaging system? Accelerate your innovation by leveraging our infrastructure, expertise and IP. We can develop a custom solution and support you all the way to prototyping and (chip) manufacturing.
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