Photoacoustic Effect

The photoacoustic effect occurs when light absorption by tissue generates acoustic waves through thermoelastic expansion.

When pulsed light is absorbed by chromophores in tissue, it causes rapid heating and thermoelastic expansion, generating acoustic waves. These waves can be detected by ultrasonic transducers to create images with optical contrast and acoustic resolution.

The effect is particularly strong in blood vessels due to hemoglobin absorption, making it excellent for vascular imaging and functional studies.