Schlieren Optics and Photoacoustic Imaging

Tumor resectioning is a primary method for cancer treatment but is limited by the inability of surgeons to differentiate tissue, which results in the unnecessary removal of healthy tissue. One method that is uniquely suited to circumvent this issue is photoacoustic imaging. However, this technique lacks real time imaging capabilities which are critical for surgical applications. This work explores the development of a real-time optical imaging tool that utilizes optical detection of an acoustic signal. Determining healthy vs unhealthy tissue will enable improved clinical patient outcomes.