Developed a non-contact ultrasonic test method

The MIT Institute of Technology research team succeeded in developing a non-contact ultrasonic inspection system using a laser.

Among the technologies for imaging the human body, ultrasound does not use harmful radiation for X-ray and CT scans to irradiate, and does not require large and expensive machines for positron emission tomography PET or MRI. On the other hand, ultrasound examination has problems such as the need to match the probe to the skin and there is a difference in the generated image.

The researchers found that when a 1550-nanometer wavelength laser hits human skin, it generates sound waves, and that sound waves are useful for ultrasound examination. It developed a technology that generates sound waves that measure the body with the first laser and detects the sound with the second laser ultrasound.

At the announced stage, images created by a new ultrasound scan using a laser are inferior in resolution to existing ultrasound scans. However, the research team says that improvement is possible and that it has exceeded the initial goal.

What is promising for the new ultrasound examination using this laser is that it does not require physical contact. Existing ultrasound probes need to be in contact with the skin, and there is a problem that patients with burns, patients immediately after surgery, and infants cannot be used. The newly developed laser ultrasound scan can be performed on everyone.

The research team is also considering developing a portable ultrasonic test device by automating the process of the new ultrasonic test that was developed. The research team says that when you wake up in the morning, you can automatically generate an image of your body to record the condition of your thyroid and arteries. Related information can be found here .