High frequency ultrasound imaging using an active optical detector

A study was conducted to describe an ultrasound detector characterized by a neodymium-doped glass waveguide laser with an optical demodulator. The imaging system supported improved sensitivity and conventional passive optical detection features. A gap was utilized to reduce direct acoustic coupling into the laser while the cavity was represented by the waveguide channel and a couple of end reflectors. The sensitivity of the optical detection method was dependent on the demodulation process and optical signal features.