A laser‐generated ultrasonic source, to be used with a real‐time imaging device, was developed. The ultrasound is generated in the thermoelastic regime, in a composite layer composed of absorbing particles (carbon) and silicone rubber. The composite layer plays three roles: of absorption, constriction and dry‐coupling. The central frequency of the generated pulse was controlled by varying the absorption depth of the generation layer. The maximum peak frequency obtained was 4MHz. When additional constriction was provided to the composite layer, the amplitude of the generated signal increased further, due to the large thermal expansion coefficient of the silicone. Images using the laser‐generated ultrasonic source were taken.

Topics
Ultrasound, Ultrasonics, Optical imaging, Polymers, Thermal effects, Chemical elements
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© 2006 American Institute of Physics.
2006
American Institute of Physics
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