Importance

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Abstract

An optoacoustic probe includes an optical window, a light path, an acoustic lens and an ultrasound transducer array. The light path operatively connects a light source to the probe, and is adapted to transmit light through the optical window at an angle of light transmission. The ultrasound transducer array includes ultrasound transducer elements, and has the inner surface of the acoustic lens at its active end. The probe is enabled to vary the angle of light transmission responsive to at least one command. In an embodiment, the light source generates a light pulse at at least one predominant wavelength. The light path may comprise at least first plurality of optical fibers. A control and processing system may be provided that is capable of pulsing the light source, causing the probe to transmit ultrasound, receiving and processing optoacoustic and ultrasound data, and controlling the operation of the system. An electrical path operatively connecting the control and processing system to the probe transmits and receives ultrasound data, and receives optoacoustic data. The control and processing system may be capable of transmitting at least one command to the probe via a control line such that the probe is caused to vary an angle of light transmission of the first plurality of optical fibers responsive to a first one of the at least one commands.

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First Claim