Acoustic hologram-induced virtual in vivo enhanced waveguide (AH-VIEW)

Sci Adv. 2024 Feb 16;10(7):eadl2232. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adl2232. Epub 2024 Feb 14.

Abstract

Optical imaging and phototherapy in deep tissues face notable challenges due to light scattering. We use encoded acoustic holograms to generate three-dimensional acoustic fields within the target medium, enabling instantaneous and robust modulation of the volumetric refractive index, thereby noninvasively controlling the trajectory of light. Through this approach, we achieved a remarkable 24.3% increase in tissue heating rate in vitro photothermal effect tests on porcine skin. In vivo photoacoustic imaging of mouse brain vasculature exhibits an improved signal-to-noise ratio through the intact scalp and skull. These findings demonstrate that our strategy can effectively suppress light scattering in complex biological tissues by inducing low-angle scattering, achieving an effective depth reaching the millimeter scale. The versatility of this strategy extends its potential applications to neuroscience, lithography, and additive manufacturing.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics
  • Animals
  • Mice
  • Photoacoustic Techniques* / methods
  • Phototherapy
  • Refractometry
  • Skull
  • Swine