A handheld 1D transparent CMUT array probe for photoacoustic imaging

A transparent transducer array is desired in backward-mode photoacoustic imaging (PAI). CMUT technology is especially suitable for this application because of its wide bandwidth and a wide selection of processing materials. We have previously demonstrated a single-element CMUT with an ITO bottom electrode for improved transparency. The device showed 40% to 70% optical transmission from 700 nm to 900 nm, which is the wavelength range commonly used for in-vivo PAI. In this work, we will make a 1D PAI probe that integrates a fully packaged 1D CMUT array with improved transparency, a fiber bundle, in-probe optics, and low-noise amplifiers which will interface with a real-time imaging system.