Three-dimensional imaging using spherical ultrasound wave generated by laser-induced breakdown

In this paper, we propose a new framework of ultrasonic (US) three-dimensio nal (3D) imaging, introducing laser-induced breakdown (LIB) as an acoustic source. LIB is a phenomenon in which a substance is transformed to a plasma by a pulsed laser beam. LIB explosively emits a variety of energies such a s heat, light and sound which also includes pulsed ultrasound. Emitted US w aves have suitable characteristics for US 3D imaging in terms of low direct ivity, enabling a wide view and sharply pulsed waves. Utilizing these chara cteristics, we attempt to apply the synthetic aperture method for frontal 3 D imaging in a real-time process. Experimental results show that even spars ely arrayed sensors allow a wider frontal view than that allowed in the cas e using existing transducers.