Photoacoustic imaging apparatus, photoacoustic imaging method, and probe for photoacoustic imaging apparatus

摘要

Acoustic waves and photoacoustic waves are detected efficiently in a photoacoustic imaging apparatus configured to obtain acoustic images as well, to enable obtainment of high quality acoustic images and photoacoustic images. A probe for a photoacoustic imaging apparatus is equipped with: first piezoelectric bodies that detect acoustic waves reflected by a subject after the acoustic waves are irradiated onto the subject; and second piezoelectric bodies that detect photoacoustic waves generated within the subject due to irradiation of light after the light is irradiated onto the subject. Piezoelectric bodies made from an inorganic material are employed as the first piezoelectric bodies, and piezoelectric bodies made from an organic material are employed as the second piezoelectric bodies.

主权项

1. A probe for a photoacoustic imaging apparatus, comprising:
a light irradiating section that outputs light to be irradiated onto a subject such that photoacoustic waves are generated; an acoustic wave generating section that generates and outputs acoustic waves to be irradiated onto the subject: first piezoelectric bodies that detect the acoustic waves which are reflected by the subject; and second piezoelectric bodies that detect photoacoustic waves generated within the subject due to irradiation of the light; piezoelectric bodies made from an inorganic material being employed as the first piezoelectric bodies; and piezoelectric bodies made from an organic material being employed as the second piezoelectric bodies.