In simple terms, the Photoacoustic technique makes use of highly sensitive nature of optical imaging with the deep penetrating ability of ultra sounds to produce multidimensional images. The innovation works on the principle of releasing a series of fast pulses in nanoseconds. The pulses vibrate due to the speed at which they are released and the vibration produces the images of the surrounding environment. The applications of photoacoustic technology is diverse and cuts across different fields on human endeavor.
The Photoacoustic technology has potential to revolutionize many fields from medicine to biochemistry to oil exploration. However, the mere fact that it is a relatively new technique means that there are still many critics of this innovation. Yet, the results of clinical tests and laboratory experiments are providing a solid argument in its support. Photoacoustics has many real life applications within the sciences and even outside core sciences.
A major application of this technique is it uses in treating cancer. Cancer is a terminal disease of which there is feasible cure. Yet Photoacoustics may provide headway in reversing the situation. Photo acoustics may make it easier for doctors to know the exact location of cancerous lymph nodes. This is because once cancer has spread to the lymph nodes; conventional treatment becomes more of a gambling.
Another area in which Photoacoustics has a direct application is in the field of medical imaging. More often than not, ultrasounds are limited in their ability to produce accurate images of the inner recess in the human body. More so, some areas are just beyond the reach of ultra sounds. Photoacoustic imaging is useful for creating an imaging modality that is resultant effect of photo acoustics. This makes the innovation appropriate for monitoring the rate at which blood is flowing in the capillaries, in depth brain imaging and for the early detection of tumors and skin melanoma among others.
Photo acoustics technology also has tremendous application in biomedicine. For example, it is very instrumental in diagnosing breast cancer, tumors, identification of the optical absorption properties of those soft tissues in the brain among others. It is also useful for monitoring the hemodynamics in the human body.
For example, a gas monitor that optimizes infrared sensing technique with the aid of this knowledge is available. This monitor makes the accurate measurement of gas vapors possible. In fact, studies have shown that the innovation ensures that the interference of other gas vapors do not interfere with the accuracy of the measurement.
Another industrial application of this technology is in the exploration of metals Ores, Precious metals, Minerals, Base Metals among others. The knowledge has been harnessed to manufacture electronic product that determine the chemistry of various mineral resources. More so, the methodology is cost effective and the margin for errors is minimal.
More applications of photoacoustic technology are discovered on a daily basis. Thus, this innovation will not become obsolete for a very long time. In addition, its usefulness will surely spread into almost all the areas of human endeavor. For instance, this innovation is useful in cosmetic surgery for the eradication of tattoo and other pigments on the body. It also stimulates the growth of collagen in the body.
