Abstract

We develop an original method that combines optical and ultrasonic fields. This acousto-optic imaging allows one to reveal a difference of optical properties with a millimeter resolution inside several centimeters biological tissues. The focused acoustic field modulates the light crossing its focal zone. For each position of the transducer, the ultrasound-modulated light reflects the local optical properties in the focal zone. An original detection scheme allows parallel processing of a large number of speckle grains, which improves the signal to noise ratio. 2D and 3D images were successfully obtained in 15 - 35 mm thick biological tissues, bothin transillumination and in backscattering geometry.

© 2000 Optical Society of America