Guiding Light with Ultrasound Using a Linear Array Transducer at Diagnostic Intensities

Light scattering in tissues limits light penetration depth and prevents optical imaging and treatment of deep targets. Recently ultrasound (US) guiding of light has been suggested as a noninvasive method to improve light delivery in scattering media, with the impact on light transport dependent on the ultrasound field configuration. As linear array transducers are among the most widespread ones and enable US beamforming, this paper aims to estimate capabilities of US-light guiding with the Verasonics L12-3v transducer in water and scattering phantoms with various US field configurations and within the pressure range allowed for diagnostic imaging. We show translation and scanning of US-induced lenses and light guides in water and low scattering phantoms, as well as capability to produce multi-focal arrangements.