Expert Talk - 3

Title: Photoacoustic sensing: solving unmet needs in biology/medicine

Abstract: Photoacoustic sensing technologies relies on photoacoustic effect, wherein a pulsed nanosecond light source is used to illuminate the sample, which generates broadband acoustic waves. These waves are detected using transducers to sense/image various biomolecules of clinical/biological importance. Near Infra-red-II (NIR-II) wavelengths (1000-1700nm) are known for less optical scattering compared to visible wavelength regimes and offer deep tissue penetration. Interference from scattering effects can be avoided while using NIR-II wavelengths. 

The first part of the talk presents an approach to integrate polarization and photoacoustics to offer unique advantages of detecting from deeper tissues with less scattering interference that will normally arises from pure optical methods. Chiral molecule sensing is typically performed using techniques like chromatography, electrophoresis, enzymatic assays, mass spectrometry, and chiroptical methods. While polarimetry allows for in-vivo sensing up to 1 mm depth using UV-visible light, it is limited by dominant…