Scanning Acoustic Microscopy as Biomedical Tool

Medical ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging modality used for visualizing body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels, and internal organs; scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) is one form of medical ultrasound. Just as with light microscopy, increasing the magnification enhances the evaluation of a particular area, but reduces the field of view of the imaged specimen. The advantages of using SAM over conventional light and electron microscopy include the ability to image specimens, such as cells and tissues, without any preparation that could potentially kill or alter them; this provides a more accurate representation of the specimens’ natural properties. SAM is also capable of elastography:  studying the elastic properties of cells and tissues to discern differences in their stiffness and/or compliance, therefore distinguish between healthy and affected tissues. These capabilities clearly show the potential of acoustic microscopy as a major instrument of detection and analysis in both biomedical research and clinical studies. 

• LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• The principles of ultrasound imaging, in particular acoustic microscopy
• Comparisons to conventional light microscopes
• Types of images produced by the acoustic microscope
• Advantages of acoustic microscopy over light and electron microscopes
• Application of acoustics to understand elasticity in biological specimens
• Future considerations of acoustic microscopy in clinical settings

• AREA COVERED

• Overview of Ultrasound in Imaging:  Definition, Operation, and Image Types
• Overview of Acoustic Microscopy: Background, Specifications, Applications, and Advantages
• Use of SAM to Image Cells and Tissues
• B-Scans and Comparisons to Conventional Light Microscopy 
• C-Scan and RMS Profiling
• Generating 3D Images  
• SAM Applications in Elastography
• Future Considerations of SAM in Biology and Medicine