3D elasticity-contrasting imaging with photon conversion LiDAR

Abstract The biomechanical properties of tissues, such as elasticity, are widely examined during medical diagnoses and studies, both clinical and preclinical. To this end, optical elastography offers high resolution but suffers from low penetration depth and small field of view. We present an elasticity-contrasting imaging modality that is non-invasive and non-interferometric, with significant advantages in penetration depth, working distance, and field of view. We demonstrate 3D imaging of tissue mimicking phantoms through thick and highly scattering media, with up to 3.27 OD single-path optical depth. Fully compatible and integrable with single photon light detection and ranging, our technique can enrich remote sensing and imaging capabilities with minimum overhead and cost.