Numerical Simulation of Photoacoustic Effect and Its Possibility of Applications to Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Support

Abstract

The authors have been studying the photoacoustic imaging from its basic to clinical applications. As a part of the wide-ranged studies, the numerical simulations of the photoacoustic pressure wave have been carried out for the image reconstruction of the concentration of the photon absorber and for the evaluation of gold nanoparticle as a contrast agent. The numerical simulation can be applied to planning safe and effective treatments using photoacoustic effect in dermatology. This article reviews the numerical simulations and the applications of them.