Photorefractive SPS acousto optic imaging in thick diffusing media at 790nm

Acousto-optic imaging is based on ultrasound modulation of multiply scattered light in thick media. We experimentally demonstrate the possibility to perform a self-adaptive wave-front holographic detection at 790 nm, within the optical therapeutic window where absorption of biological tissues is minimized. A high-gain Te-doped Sn2P2S6 bulk crystal is used for this purpose. We image optical absorbing objects embedded within a thick scattering phantom by use of pulsed ultrasound to get a dynamic millimetric axial resolution. Our technique represents an interesting approach for breast cancer detection.