Researchers are proposing an evolution in medical imaging, more specifically ultrasounds that rely on the emission and reception of ultrasound. As part of their advances, scientists have demonstrated that laser ultrasound is a very interesting concept.
Ultrasound is an imaging technique using ultrasound. It is commonly used in medicine. And for most people, this is a simple test. However, there are more sensitive patients , for whom contact with the probe is synonymous with aggression. Babies and people with burns or sensitive skin are in this situation.
In a publication of December 19, 2019, researchers at MIT claim to have developed a new type of ultrasound. It is a technique that use a laser system in order to obtain an image of the inside of the body. There is no doubt about the advantage since this technique can be used remotely, without contact.
“ We are only at the beginning of what we could do with laser ultrasound. Imagine getting to a point where we can do everything ultrasound can do now, but from a distance. It gives you a whole new way to see organs inside the body and determine deep tissue properties, without coming into contact with the patient." said Brian W. Anthony, lead author of the study.
First, a pulsed laser allows remote scanning and generates waves. These pass through the skin and bounce off the soft tissues. Then, a second continuous laser is responsible for detecting the reflected waves thanks to the frequency changes. The wavelength of the light emitted by the laser is 1550 nanometers . It is therefore a wavelength easily absorbed by the water that makes up our tissues. The latter is therefore safe for the skin and even for the eyes. Under the effect of the laser, the skin heats up and expands before returning to its normal state. However, these vibrations produce the sound waves that then travel through the body.
The technique is considered very promising by researchers. However, the next step is to improve it in order to detect tissues more finely. In addition, the researchers want to miniaturize the whole thing in order to eventually obtain a portable device . Thus, this device could eventually be present in the homes of individuals!
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