Numerical simulation of enhanced photoacoustic generation and wavefront shaping by a distributed laser array

Hou, R., Xu, B., Xia, Z., Zhang, Y., Liu, W., Glorieux, C., Marsh, J. H. , Hou, L. , Liu, X. and Xiong, J. (2021) Numerical simulation of enhanced photoacoustic generation and wavefront shaping by a distributed laser array. Applied Sciences, 11(20), 9497. (doi: 10.3390/app11209497)

Abstract

In photoacoustic imaging, the use of arrayed laser sources brings several advantages. Acoustic waves can be generated with flexible control of wavefronts, bringing functionality such as ultrasonic beam steering and focusing. The use of arrays reduces the optical intensity while increasing the strength of the ultrasonic wave, bringing the advantages of improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) while avoiding laser-induced damage. In this paper, we report a numerical model for studying the generation and shaping of acoustic wavefronts with laser arrays. The propagation of mechanical waves, photoacoustically generated by thermal expansion, is simulated and discussed in detail. In addition, a partially delayed distributed array is studied both theoretically and quantitatively. The developed model for wavefront control through time-delayed laser pulses is shown to be highly suited for the optimization of laser array generation schemes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Marsh, Professor John and Hou, Dr Lianping

Creator Roles

Marsh, J. H.: Conceptualization
Hou, L.: Conceptualization

• Authors: Hou, R., Xu, B., Xia, Z., Zhang, Y., Liu, W., Glorieux, C., Marsh, J. H., Hou, L., Liu, X., and Xiong, J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: Applied Sciences
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2076-3417
• ISSN (Online): 2076-3417
• Published Online: 13 October 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 by the authors
• First Published: First published in Applied Sciences 11(20):9497
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
302617		Optically controlled THz phased array antennas	John Marsh	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/R042578/1	ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering