Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography
Encyclopedia
Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) is a form of tomography
involving ultrasound
. It is used in imaging
of biological soft tissues and has potential applications for early cancer
detection. Like optical techniques, this method provides high contrast
, and the use of ultrasound also provides high resolution
.
Tomography
Tomography refers to imaging by sections or sectioning, through the use of any kind of penetrating wave. A device used in tomography is called a tomograph, while the image produced is a tomogram. The method is used in radiology, archaeology, biology, geophysics, oceanography, materials science,...
involving ultrasound
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is thus not separated from "normal" sound based on differences in physical properties, only the fact that humans cannot hear it. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is...
. It is used in imaging
Medical imaging
Medical imaging is the technique and process used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science...
of biological soft tissues and has potential applications for early cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
detection. Like optical techniques, this method provides high contrast
Contrast (vision)
Contrast is the difference in visual properties that makes an object distinguishable from other objects and the background. In visual perception of the real world, contrast is determined by the difference in the color and brightness of the object and other objects within the same field of view...
, and the use of ultrasound also provides high resolution
Optical resolution
Optical resolution describes the ability of an imaging system to resolve detail in the object that is being imaged.An imaging system may have many individual components including a lens and recording and display components...
.