Noncontact laser ultrasound (NCLUS) Medical Imaging System

• Published in: 2023 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS) pp. 1 - 5
• Main Authors: Haupt, Robert, Gurjar, Rajan, Boitnott, Brian, Shaw, Jamie, Green, Bert, Jakovljevic, Marko, Thomenius, Kai, Samir, Anthony
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 03.09.2023
• Subjects: Laser Doppler vibrometry; Measurement by laser beam; photoacoustics; Skin; Surface emitting lasers; Surface waves; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonic variables measurement; Vibrometers
• DOI: 10.1109/IUS51837.2023.10307496

MIT LL and CURT MGH are developing a novel laser system that acquires ultrasound (US) images from human tissue without patient contact. The system is termed, noncontact laser ultrasound (NCLUS). NCLUS employs a pulsed laser that converts optical energy to US waves at the skin surface via thermoelastic mechanisms. A laser Doppler vibrometer then measures emerging US waves from the tissue interior arriving at the skin surface.NCLUS has potential to advance medical US by overcoming limitations of a contact US probe. Due to its noncontact nature, NCLUS is intended to 1) mitigate operator variability, 2) provide a fixed reference for comparing repeat scans over time, 3) fully automate US image data acquisition, reducing the need for a sonographer, and 4) transmit US in any "array" locations desired. NCLUS can deliver a wide range of array compositions that yield great versatility in acoustic beam shaping and steering in tissue.NCLUS is designed with the goal for multiple applications: anatomical imaging, bone elastography, disease feature tracking, US acquisition through burned or traumatized tissue, neck injuries, open surgical regions, neonatal care, and so forth. We constructed an automated/portable system for upcoming clinical tests that incorporates skin safe lasers which acquire US data in an operationally relevant time frame.