Opto-acoustic generator of ultrasound waves from laser energy supplied via optical fiber
AssigneesActis, Ltd., Esaote S.p.A.
InventorsElena Biagi, Fabrizio Margheri, Leonardo Masotti, David Menichelli
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Abstract
The opto-acoustic generator of ultrasound waves comprises an optical fiber associated to a laser-energy source, and an opto-acoustic transducer which is applied to said fiber and is designed to be impinged upon by the laser beam and to absorb partially the energy, converting it into thermal energy, thus bringing about the formation of ultrasound waves by the thermo-acoustic effect. Said opto-acoustic transducer consists of a layer or film containing prevalently graphite, which is applied on a surface of said optical fiber.
Claims15
An opto-acoustic generator of ultrasound waves, comprising an optical fiber associated to a laser-energy source, and an opto-acoustic transducer which is applied to said fiber and is designed to be impinged upon by the laser beam and to absorb partially the energy of the latter, converting it into thermal energy, thus bringing about the formation of ultrasound waves by thermo-acoustic effect, wherein said opto-acoustic transducer consists of a layer or film containing prevalently graphite, which is applied on a surface of said optical fiber.
An optical fiber comprising, on one of its portions, an opto-acoustic-transduction layer made up prevalently of graphite, such as to be able to receive energy of an optical beam conveyed by the fiber, especially laser energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.