Bimodal ultrasonic probe comprising an optical device for diagnosis

A portable two-mode probe to be applied against a biological tissue to be examined, the probe comprising:

• an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit ultrasonic waves into the tissue and to receive ultrasonic waves reflected by the tissue, the transducer extending along a transverse axis;
• and
• a plurality of optodes arranged on either side of the transverse axis, such that the ultrasonic transducer extends between the optodes, each optode comprising a casing, the casing containing a light emitter configured to emit a light wave toward the tissue, and/or an optical detector configured to detect a light wave scattered by the tissue,
• wherein the plurality of optodes are arranged such that at least one light emitter and at least one optical detector are placed on either side of the ultrasonic transducer;
• the probe further comprises at least one optical detector having a detection area formed from a semiconductor and connected to a circuit board;
• and
• the probe includes a plurality of light emitters and a plurality of optical detectors, the probe being configured such that distances between an optical detector and light emitters varies between 1 mm and 80 mm.