Beyond synthetic aperture focusing: deconvolution-based elevation resolution enhancement using simulated point spread function for linear array-based three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging.

This paper introduces a deconvolution-based method to enhance the elevation resolution of a linear array-based three-dimensional (3D) photoacoustic (PA) imaging system. PA imaging combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the deep, multi-centimeter spatial resolution of ultrasound (US) imaging, providing structural and functional information about biological tissues. Linear array-based 3D PA imaging is easily accessible and applicable for ex vivo studies, small animal research, and clinical applications in humans. However, its elevation resolution is limited by the acoustic lens geometry, which establishes a single elevation focus. Previous work used synthetic aperture focusing (SAF) to enhance elevation resolution, but the resolution achievable by SAF is constrained by the size of the elevation focus. Here, we introduce the application of Richardson-Lucy deconvolution, grounded in simulated point-spread-functions, to surpass the elevation resolution attainable with SAF alone. We validated this approach using both simulation and experimental data, demonstrating that the full-width-at-half-maximum of point targets on the elevation plane was reduced compared to using SAF only, suggesting resolution improvement. This method shows promise for improving 3D image quality of existing linear array-based PA imaging systems, offering potential benefits for disease diagnosis and monitoring.