Patent ID: 6517490
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: G03H

Abstract:
an apparatus for imaging subtle structures internal to an object, comprising:(a) one or a plurality of ultrasonic transducers directing unscattered ultrasonic energy in the form of a wave toward an object to be imaged; (b) an acoustic lens means for focusing the unscattered ultrasonic energy to a focal point downstream of a first lens and having a centerline, wherein the lens means comprises one or a plurality of lenses, wherein the focal point is location at which the unscattered ultrasonic energy is focused; and wherein the acoustic lens means focuses ultrasonic energy scattered from structures within the object into a detector; (c) an acoustically opaque element selectively positioned at the focal point, aligned perpendicular to the direction of transmission of the unscattered wave, whereby the acoustically opaque element either (i) prevents transmission of ultrasonic energy directed to the focal point and allows passage of scattered ultrasonic energy not directed to the focal point, or (ii) allows only passage of unscattered ultrasonic energy, or (iii) allows passage of ultrasonic energy that is scattered from a selected volume within the object; and (d) a holographic detector having a surface aligned perpendicular to the direction of gravity.