04/26/2024
By Danielle Fretwell
The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation Proposal defense by Andres Biondi Vaccariello on "Design of an Opto-Mechanical Acoustic Receiver for Photoacoustic Detection Based on Whispery Gallery Mod."
Candidate Name: Andres Biondi Vaccariello
Degree: Doctoral
Defense Date: April 30, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Remote via Teams. Please email advisor for link.
Committee:
- Advisor: Xingwei Wang, Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Xuejun Lu, Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Corey Shemelya, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Brief Abstract:
Photoacoustic imaging is a promising modality aimed at generating high-resolution images without ionizing radiation. Combining the strengths of optical and ultrasound imaging, it holds great potential for minimally invasive procedures such as tumor biopsy and endoscopy. However, detecting weak acoustic signals remains a major challenge in clinical implementation. Current acoustic detectors, relying on piezoelectric materials, CMUTs, and PMUTs, encounter limitations due to the need for miniaturization. To address these challenges, researchers are exploring optical acoustic sensors for their immunity to electromagnetic fields and miniaturization capabilities. This study proposes a sensor utilizing Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) with a microsphere fabricated on a fiber cable tip. The high Q factor of the WGM resonator promises increased sensitivity and a high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Moreover, the sensor's micron-scale dimensions facilitate essential miniaturization for minimally invasive procedures.