PAI 450 photoacoustic imaging system

Photoacoustic Imaging (also known as thermal wave imaging) is a novel non‐destructive testing technique which is capable of providing three‐dimensional information concerning the structure and characteristics of thin solid samples by the analysis of optically induced heat flows in such materials. A particular advantage of photoacoustic imaging is its ability to obtain depth related information about sub‐surface structures in both transparent and opaque samples. The spatial variations in optical and thermal properties of suitable materials are related to such physical phenomena as cracks, discontinuities, impurities and inclusions both on and below the surface. Since the laser used to generate the heat flows is focussed to around 30 microns diameter good spatial resolution is achieved and as the image may be easily manipulated and enlarged electronically, it is easy to appreciate the alternative names — photoacoustic microscopy.