JP2016047208A - Photoacoustic probe and photoacoustic imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance convenience of a user and suppress a temperature of a part that makes contact with an analyte.SOLUTION: A photoacoustic probe 10 comprises: a light source part 13 that makes contact with an analyte Bd; an acoustic wave detection part 14 that detects an acoustic wave generated in the analyte Bd; and a fluid flow path 40 in which an acoustic matching fluid flows. The fluid flow path 40 includes a heat exchanging part 43 that is arranged in the light source part 13 and transmits heat of a light emitter 130 to the acoustic matching fluid, and a fluid supply part 50 that applies the acoustic matching fluid on a surface of the analyte Bd.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus including a photoacoustic probe that detects an acoustic wave generated in a subject by light irradiation.

  Conventionally, ultrasonic imaging using transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is known as a technique for acquiring a tomographic image of a subject (for example, a living body) without invasiveness. Furthermore, photoacoustic imaging using photoacoustic waves (ultrasonic waves) generated inside a living body by irradiating the living body with light has been developed.

  In the ultrasonic imaging and the photoacoustic imaging, a probe used in contact with the subject is provided. The probe is attached with a piezoelectric element that receives ultrasonic waves (can also be used for transmission), and generates heat when the piezoelectric element is driven. The piezoelectric element is disposed at a contact portion that comes into contact with the subject. When the temperature rises, it causes a low temperature burn. Therefore, there has been proposed one that performs forced cooling by flowing a heat medium in a portion close to the piezoelectric element or an electronic circuit that drives the piezoelectric element (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  The probe detects an acoustic wave (ultrasonic wave) with a piezoelectric element, but if there is an air layer between the subject and the piezoelectric element, the acoustic wave is attenuated and can be detected accurately. It becomes difficult. Therefore, after the acoustic matching agent that matches the acoustic impedance between the subject and the piezoelectric element is applied to the contact portion, acoustic probe is performed.

  In the photoacoustic imaging, conventionally, a light source using a laser light generator is employed, but the apparatus is large and complicated in configuration. In view of this, research has been conducted on the use of light emitting elements such as LEDs as light sources. The light emitting element has less light energy as a single unit than the laser light generator. Therefore, when the light emitting element is used as a light source, the number is increased to increase the density, and the light emitting element is disposed in the vicinity of the subject.

JP 2010-259695 A JP 2008-79700 A

  However, when the light emitting elements are arranged at a high density, it easily reaches a high temperature, and since it is close to the subject, the amount of heat transferred to the subject increases. Therefore, if the probe is kept in contact with the subject, it may cause a low temperature burn.

  Therefore, similarly to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is possible to forcibly radiate the light emitting element using a heat medium. However, if the temperature of the light source is difficult to rise, it is not necessary to cool the light source, and a configuration that is not essential for photoacoustic imaging is required, which complicates the configuration.

  Moreover, in the conventional probe, when acoustic imaging is performed, the gel-like acoustic matching agent must be applied to the contact portion, which is troublesome.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a photoacoustic probe and a photoacoustic imaging apparatus capable of improving the convenience for the user and suppressing the temperature of the portion in contact with the subject.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light source unit that is in contact with a subject and has a plurality of light emitting elements arranged to irradiate the subject with light, and light emitted from the light source unit. A photoacoustic having an acoustic wave detection unit that detects an acoustic wave that is absorbed and generated inside the subject, and a fluid channel through which an acoustic matching fluid that matches the acoustic impedance of the subject and the acoustic wave detection unit flows. A probe, wherein the fluid flow path is provided in the light source unit and transmits heat of the light emitting element to the acoustic matching fluid, and the acoustic matching fluid can be applied to the subject And a fluid supply unit that supplies a portion of the light source unit that contacts the subject.

  According to this configuration, since the heat of the light source unit can be exhausted by the acoustic matching fluid, a temperature rise of the light source unit can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease, deterioration, or breakage of operation accuracy due to a temperature rise of the light source unit. In addition, the light source unit is in contact with the subject, and by suppressing the temperature rise of the light source unit, it is possible to suppress the subject from feeling uncomfortable or injured such as low-temperature burns. it can.

  In addition, by including a fluid supply unit that applies an acoustic matching fluid used to transmit heat of the light source unit to the subject, the acoustic wave detection accuracy by the acoustic wave detection unit can be increased, It is possible to improve the detection accuracy and efficiency of tomographic image information.

  The said structure WHEREIN: You may make it the said fluid supply part supply the said acoustic matching fluid to the part which contacts the said test object of the said light source part by the pressing load when pressing on the said test object.

  According to this configuration, since the acoustic matching fluid is supplied by the pressing load, the supply amount of the acoustic matching fluid can be adjusted to be constant or by adjusting the pressing load. Moreover, the outflow of the acoustic matching fluid is suppressed when not used or when tomographic image information is detected. Thereby, the acoustic matching fluid can be applied to the subject without excess or deficiency.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said heat exchange part may have a cooling jacket provided adjacent to the said light emitting element, and you may make it the said acoustic matching fluid flow through the inside of the said cooling jacket continuously.

In the above configuration, the heat exchange unit includes a heat transport unit that transports heat from the heat absorption region toward the exhaust heat region,
The heat absorption region may be disposed near the light emitting element, and the heat exhaust region may be disposed in contact with the acoustic matching fluid.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said fluid flow path is provided in the exterior of the said light source part, and is equipped with the storage part which stores the said acoustic matching fluid, The said fluid flow path contains the said acoustic matching fluid with the said storage part and the said heat exchange part. You may circulate between.

  In the above configuration, the light emitting element may include at least one of a light emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, and an organic light emitting diode element.

  As an apparatus provided with the above-described photoacoustic probe, a photoacoustic imaging apparatus that images an internal state of the subject based on information from the photoacoustic probe can be cited.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photoacoustic probe and a photoacoustic imaging apparatus capable of improving the convenience for the user and suppressing the temperature of the portion in contact with the subject.

1 is a schematic external view of an example of a photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It is a block diagram of the photoacoustic imaging device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning and flow of the acoustic matching fluid of a cooling mechanism. It is a perspective view of the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the light source part with which the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention is equipped. It is the schematic of the light source board provided with the LED element. It is the figure seen from the back surface of the board | substrate holding | maintenance part of the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. It is a top view of a light source part. It is a bottom view of a light source part. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the light source part of FIG. 8 by XX. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the light source part of FIG. 8 by the XI-XI line. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the light source part shown in FIG. 9 by the XII-XII line. It is an expanded sectional view of a fluid supply part. It is an expanded sectional view of the fluid supply part which shows the state where the pin was pushed up from the state shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the fluid supply part which shows the state where the pin was further pushed up from the state shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a pin. It is a figure which shows the other example of a pin. It is a figure which shows the other example of a pin. It is sectional drawing of the light source part used for the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a perspective view of the further another example of the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the light source part used for the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of a cooling tank. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the light source part shown in FIG. 18 by the XXI-XXI line. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the light source part shown in FIG. 18 by the XXII-XXII line | wire. It is an expanded sectional view of a fluid supply part. FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid supply unit showing a state where the pin is pushed up from the state shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid supply unit showing a state where the pin is further pushed up from the state shown in FIG. 24.

  1 is a schematic external view of an example of a photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an arrangement of acoustic matching fluids in a cooling mechanism. FIG.

  The photoacoustic imaging apparatus A according to the present invention irradiates light of a wavelength with a small attenuation inside the subject Bd (for example, 650 nm to 1000 nm in the case of a living body), and the internal tissue absorbs the light energy. A tomographic image is acquired by detecting an elastic wave (ultrasonic wave) due to thermal expansion.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A includes a photoacoustic probe 10 that irradiates a subject Bd that is a living body and detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject Bd. An image generation unit 20 that generates a photoacoustic image based on a photoacoustic wave detection signal is provided. In addition, the photoacoustic probe 10 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject Bd and also detects ultrasonic waves that are reflected waves, and the image generation unit 20 generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic detection signal. Also generate. Furthermore, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A also includes an image display unit 30 that displays an image based on the image signal generated by the image generation unit 20. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus A also includes a cooling mechanism 40 (fluid flow path) for cooling an LED element 131 (details will be described later) that is a light source of the photoacoustic probe 10.

  The photoacoustic probe 10 includes a drive power supply unit 11, a light source unit 13 that emits light (infrared light: wavelength of about 850 nm) when power is supplied from the drive power supply unit 11, and a light emitting element provided in the light source unit 13. LED driving circuit 12 for controlling the above.

  Here, details of the photoacoustic probe 10 will be described with reference to a new drawing. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal direction of the light source unit 13 is the X direction, the short direction is the Y direction, and the vertical direction of the paper is the Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the photoacoustic probe 10 includes an acoustic wave detection unit 14 and a light source unit 13 that is disposed in proximity to the acoustic wave detection unit 14. The photoacoustic probe 10 brings the lower side in the Z direction in FIG. 4 into contact with the subject Bd and irradiates the subject Bd with light from the light source unit 13 or irradiates the subject with ultrasonic waves from the acoustic wave detection unit 14. An acoustic wave from the inside of the specimen Bd is detected.

  The acoustic wave detection unit 14 has a configuration in which acoustoelectric conversion elements 141 that transmit or detect ultrasonic waves are arranged in the X direction. The acoustic wave detection unit 14 has the same configuration as that of an ultrasonic probe used in a conventional ultrasonic tomographic diagnosis apparatus, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the photoacoustic probe 10 includes two light source units 13. The two light source units 13 are long members extending in the arrangement direction (that is, the X direction) of the acoustoelectric conversion elements 141. Further, the two light source units 13 are arranged so as to sandwich the acoustic wave detection unit 14 from both sides in the Y direction. The light source unit 13 irradiates the subject Bd with planar light whose in-plane luminance is equalized. Thereby, uniform or substantially uniform light can be irradiated to the lower part of the acoustic wave detection part 14 in the Z-axis direction.

  The light emitted from the light source unit 13 enters the subject Bd while being scattered, and is absorbed by the light absorber (biological tissue) in the subject Bd. When the light absorber absorbs light, a photoacoustic wave (ultrasonic wave) that is an elastic wave is generated by adiabatic expansion. The generated photoacoustic wave propagates in the subject Bd and is converted into a voltage signal by the acoustoelectric conversion element 141. The acoustoelectric conversion element 141 of the acoustic detection unit 14 may generate an ultrasonic wave, send the ultrasonic wave into the subject Bd, receive the ultrasonic wave reflected in the subject Bd, and generate a voltage signal. Is possible. That is, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A of the present embodiment can also perform ultrasonic imaging in addition to photoacoustic imaging.

  The light source unit 13 generates heat when emitting light. Due to heat generation, the accuracy of light emission control of the light source unit 13 may be reduced, or injuries such as low-temperature burns may occur when the subject Bd is a living body. Therefore, in the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A, the light source unit 13 (the LED element 131 which is a main heat source) is cooled by the cooling mechanism 40 as shown in FIGS.

  The cooling mechanism 40 cools the light source unit 13 by circulating gel and transporting and exhausting heat generated in the light source unit 13. As the gel, an acoustic matching fluid that matches the acoustic impedance between the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the subject Bd is used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling mechanism 40 includes a gel tank 41 that stores gel, a pump 42 that pressurizes the gel, and a heat exchange unit 43 disposed inside the light source unit 13. And the gel tank 41, the pump 42, and the heat exchange part 43 are connected by piping through which a gel flows. Then, by driving the pump 42, the gel in the gel tank 41 is supplied to the heat exchange unit 43 via the pump 42 and the supply pipe 44.

  When the gel flows inside the heat exchanging portion 43, the heat generated in the LED element 131 is absorbed. The gel heated by absorbing heat is discharged from the heat exchanging portion 43 through the discharge pipe 45 and returned to the gel tank 41 through a pipe different from the supply time. The heated gel may be exhausted to the outside air when passing through the pipe returning to the gel tank 41, or may be exhausted when accumulated in the gel tank 41. . Even if the gel absorbs the exhaust heat of the LED element 131, it is preferable to circulate such an amount that the temperature of the supplied gel is kept below a certain level.

  In the acoustic wave detection unit 14, if an air layer is formed between the subject Bd and the acoustoelectric conversion element 141, the acoustic impedance cannot be matched with the subject Bd, and the acoustic wave conduction deteriorates. To do. In order to match the acoustic impedance, the cooling mechanism 40 includes a fluid supply unit 50 that supplies gel to apply the circulating gel between the subject Bd and the photoacoustic detection unit 10. Details of the light source unit 13, the heat exchange unit 43, and the fluid supply unit 50 will be described later.

  Next, the image generation unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the image generation unit 20 includes a reception circuit 21, an A / D converter 22, a reception memory 23, a data processing unit 24, a photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 25, a detection / logarithmic converter 26, and a photoacoustic image construction. 27, an ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 28, a detection / logarithmic converter 29, an ultrasonic image construction unit 210, an image composition unit 211, a control unit 212, and a transmission control circuit 213.

  The receiving circuit 21 selects some of the acoustoelectric transducers 141 from the plurality of acoustoelectric transducers 141 and performs a process of amplifying a voltage signal (detection signal) for the selected acoustoelectric transducers 141.

  In the case of photoacoustic imaging, for example, the plurality of acoustoelectric transducers 141 are divided into two areas adjacent in the X direction, and one area is selected for the first light irradiation, and the second light irradiation is performed. The remaining one area is selected at the time. In the case of ultrasonic imaging, for example, an ultrasonic wave is generated while switching a group of a plurality of adjacent acoustoelectric transducers 141 among a plurality of acoustoelectric transducers 141 (so-called linear electronic scan), and a receiving circuit. 21 also selects the group while switching.

  The A / D converter 22 converts the amplified detection signal from the reception circuit 21 into a digital signal. The reception memory 23 stores the digital signal from the A / D converter 22. The data processing unit 24 has a function of distributing the signal stored in the reception memory 23 to the photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 25 or the ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 28.

  The photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 25 performs phase matching addition processing based on the photoacoustic wave detection signal to reconstruct the photoacoustic wave data. The detection / logarithmic converter 26 performs logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing on the reconstructed photoacoustic wave data. Then, the photoacoustic image construction unit 27 converts the data processed by the detection / logarithmic converter 26 into luminance value data for each pixel.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 28 performs phase matching addition processing based on the ultrasonic detection signal to reconstruct the ultrasonic data. The detection / logarithmic converter 29 performs logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing on the reconstructed ultrasonic data. Then, the ultrasonic image construction unit 210 converts the data processed by the detection / logarithmic converter 29 into luminance value data for each pixel.

  The image synthesizing unit 211 synthesizes the photoacoustic image data and the ultrasonic image data to generate synthesized image data. Here, for image synthesis, a photoacoustic image may be superimposed on an ultrasonic image, or a photoacoustic image and an ultrasonic image may be arranged in parallel. The image display unit 30 displays an image based on the combined image data generated by the image combining unit 211.

  Note that the image composition unit 211 may output either photoacoustic image data or ultrasonic image data to the image display unit 30 as it is.

  In addition, the control unit 212 transmits a wavelength control signal to the LED drive circuit 12, and the LED drive circuit 12 that has received the wavelength control signal transmits the light trigger signal from the control unit 212 to the light source drive circuit 102. The drive circuit 12 transmits a drive signal to the LED element 131.

  Further, the transmission control circuit 213 transmits a drive signal to the acoustoelectric conversion element 141 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 212 to generate an ultrasonic wave. Note that the control unit 212 also controls the receiving circuit 21 and the like.

(First embodiment)
Next, details of the light source unit 13 which is a main part of the photoacoustic probe 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a light source unit provided in the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a light source substrate provided with LED elements, and FIG. 7 is a photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. It is the figure seen from the back surface of the board | substrate holding | maintenance part of a touch element. 8 is a plan view of the light source unit, FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the light source unit, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the light source unit of FIG. 8 cut along line XX, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the light source part of this by the XI-XI line. Further, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the light source section shown in FIG. 9 taken along line XII-XII.

  The photoacoustic probe 10 is provided with two light source sections 13, but these have substantially the same configuration, and therefore, one of them will be illustrated and described as a representative. . Further, in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, for easy comparison, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 is displayed in the same Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the light source unit 13 includes a light source substrate 130, a light source cover bottom 132, a substrate holder 133, and a light source cover top 134. The light source cover bottom 132 is a rectangular parallelepiped box having an open top surface, and is configured to close the opening of the light source cover bottom 132 with a rectangular plate-shaped light source cover top 134. The light source cover bottom 132 and the light source cover top 134 constitute an exterior of the light source unit 13.

  The light source cover bottom 132 has a configuration that can accommodate the substrate holder 133 and the light source substrate 130 therein. The light source cover bottom 132 includes a rectangular bottom plate portion 1321, and the outside of the bottom plate portion 1321 is a contact portion that contacts the surface of the subject Bd. That is, the light emitted from the LED element 131 passes through the bottom plate portion 1321 and is irradiated on the subject Bd. Therefore, at least the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source cover bottom 132 has translucency that can transmit the light emitted from the LED element 131. Further, the light source cover bottom 132 is formed with discharge holes 51 (four here) through which pins 52 described later of the fluid supply unit 50 pass.

  The light source substrate 130 is a wiring substrate having a wiring pattern formed on the surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 6, LED elements 131 as light emitting elements are mounted on the surface of the light source substrate 130 in a two-dimensional arrangement so as to be equally spaced in the vertical and horizontal directions. The light source substrate 130 is connected to the LED drive circuit 12, receives a drive signal from the LED drive circuit 12, and the LED element 131 emits pulsed light based on the drive signal. In the light source unit 13, the LED elements 131 are mounted in a two-dimensional array on the light source substrate 130 to emit planar light with a constant luminous flux. The LED element 131 is an element that irradiates light having a wavelength (here, about 850 nm) that easily penetrates into the living body.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the light source unit 13, the substrate holder 133 is mounted inside the light source cover bottom 132. When the light source holder 133 is mounted, the light source cover bottom 132 is attached and fixed to the light source cover bottom 133 so that the inner surface of the side wall of the light source cover bottom 132 and the side surface of the light source holder 133 are watertight.

  The substrate holder 133 is made of a light-transmitting material so that light emitted from the LED element 131 can be transmitted. A substrate holding part 1331 for holding the light source substrate 130 is formed on the upper side of the substrate holder 133 when attached to the light source cover bottom 132. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the lower surface has a recess 1332 formed so as to form a gap. An inflow portion 1333 and an outflow portion 1334 that are deeper than the recess portion 1332 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the recess portion 1332. A through hole is formed at the bottom of the inflow portions 1333 and 1334, a supply pipe 44 is connected to the through hole of the inflow portion 1333, and a discharge pipe 45 is connected to the through hole of the outflow portion 1334 in a watertight manner. Further, the recess 1332 is provided with a storage hole 53 at a portion corresponding to the discharge hole 51 when the substrate holder 133 is attached to the light source cover bottom 132.

  The light source cover top 134 is a lid that seals the opening above the light source cover bottom 132. The light source cover top 134 is provided with a through hole 1341 through which the supply pipe 44 passes and a 1342 through which the discharge pipe 45 passes.

  The assembly of the light source unit 13 is as follows. First, it inserts in the inside of the light source cover bottom 132 so that the recessed part 1332 may oppose the baseplate part 1321, and it fixes so that a side surface may become watertight. As a result, a watertight space is formed in the space surrounded by the bottom plate portion 1321 and the recess 1332. Then, the supply pipe 44 and the discharge pipe 45 are attached to the through holes formed in the substrate holder 133. Thereafter, the light source substrate 130 is fixed to the substrate holder 1331 of the substrate holder 133 so that the LED element 131 faces the substrate holder 133. The order of attaching the light source substrate 130, the supply pipe 44, and the discharge pipe 45 is not limited to the above.

  Then, the supply pipe 44 is inserted into the through hole 1341, the discharge pipe 45 is inserted into the through hole 1342, and the light source cover top 134 is fixed to the light source cover bottom 132. At this time, the light source cover top 134 is a member that is not shown, and holds the light source substrate 130 held by the substrate holder 133 so as not to move. The light source unit 13 is assembled as described above.

  In the light source unit 13, the LED elements 131 are densely packed at a constant density and mounted on the light source substrate 130. Since the LED elements 131 are driven so as to be lit at the same time, the light source unit 13 is heated by the heat from the LED elements 131. The LED element 131 may have a reduced output due to a temperature rise or may be damaged. Therefore, in order to discharge the heat emitted from the LED element 131 to the light source unit 13, gel is supplied to the heat exchanging unit 43 and heat is exhausted by exchanging heat with the gel.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, when the substrate holder 133 is fixed to the light source cover bottom 132, a gap is formed between the recess 1332 and the bottom plate portion 1321. And since the recessed part 1332 is formed so that it may connect with the inflow part 1333 and the outflow part 1334, a gel flows in into the inflow part 1333 from the supply piping 44. FIG. At this time, the gel flows through the gap between the concave portion 1332 and the bottom plate portion 1321, and the gel is discharged from the discharge pipe 45 connected to the outflow portion 1334.

  When the light source substrate 130 is attached to the substrate holder 133, the LED element 131 is disposed in the vicinity of the recess 1332 of the substrate holder 133. Therefore, when the gel flows through the gap (cooling jacket) between the recess 1332 and the bottom plate 1334, heat generated from the LED element 131 during light emission is transmitted to the gel. That is, heat exchange is performed between the LED element 131 and its surrounding portion and the gel. And since the gel which absorbed heat is discharged | emitted from the discharge piping 45 by forcedly circulating with the pump 42, the temperature rise of the LED element 131 of the light source part 13 is suppressed. The heated gel then discharges heat to the outside while returning to the gel tank 41 via the discharge pipe 45. That is, the cooling mechanism 40 performs heat exchange (exhaust heat) of the LED element 131 using gel as a refrigerant.

  As described above, in the light source unit 13, the LED element 131 and the like are cooled by distributing gel through a gap formed between the light source cover bottom 132 and the substrate holder 133. Therefore, the heat exchange unit 43 includes a light source cover bottom 132 and a substrate holder 133. The gap between the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source cover bottom 132 and the concave portion 1332 of the substrate holder 133 becomes a cooling jacket 431 through which the gel flows.

  The cooling jacket 431 is disposed between the LED element 130 and the bottom plate part 1321, and the light emitted from the LED element 130 is transmitted through the gel. As described above, the gel used as the refrigerant in the cooling mechanism 40 is an acoustic matching fluid that matches the acoustic impedance between the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the subject Bd. The acoustic matching fluid contains water as a main component, and the light is not easily attenuated even if the light emitted from the LED element 130 passes through the gel.

  And in the photoacoustic probe 10, in order to improve the sensitivity of the acoustic wave transmission or reception by the acoustic wave detection unit 14, the heat exchange disposed inside the portion of the light source unit 13 that is in contact with the subject Bd. A fluid supply unit 50 is provided for applying the gel flowing through the unit 43 to the surface of the subject Bd.

  Here, the configuration and operation of the fluid supply unit 50 will be described with reference to a new drawing. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid supply unit, FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid supply unit showing a state where the pin is pushed up from the state shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a pin view from the state shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the fluid supply part which shows the state further pushed up. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, etc., the fluid supply units 50 are provided at four locations on the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source unit 13, but all the fluid supply units 50 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, a description will be given by taking one fluid supply unit 50 as an example, representing four locations.

  When the photoacoustic probe 10 is pressed against the subject Bd, the fluid supply unit 50 applies a predetermined amount of gel (acoustic matching fluid) to the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 1321 so that it can be applied to the surface of the subject Bd. Supply. Then, the acoustic probe 10 is slid on the surface of the subject Bd to spread (apply) the gel on the surface of the subject Bd. That is, the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 1321 is a contact portion with the subject Bd.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the fluid supply unit 50 includes a discharge hole 51, a pin 52 that slidably passes through the discharge hole 51, a storage hole 53 that stores a part of the pin 52, and a storage hole And a spring 54 which is inserted into 53 and presses the pin 52. The discharge hole 51 is a through hole provided in the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source cover bottom 132. The discharge hole 51 penetrates to the outside of the light source part 13 through a gap formed between the recess 1333 and the bottom plate part 1321. The discharge hole 51 has a circular cross section, and its outer diameter increases toward the outside. Details of the shape of the discharge hole 51 will be described later.

  The pin 52 penetrates the discharge hole 51 and is slidable so as to protrude to the outside. The pin 52 includes a first lid 521 provided at an end that moves to the outside, a second lid 522 provided at an end opposite to the first lid 521, a first lid 521, and a first lid 521. A columnar connecting portion 523 that connects the two lid portions 522 is provided.

  The first lid 521 has a circular cross section and a shape in which the outer diameter increases toward the tip. Moreover, the outer surface of the 1st cover part 521 is convex surface shape (for example, spherical surface). The second lid 522 has the same shape as the first lid 521, and the tip of the second lid 522 has a cylindrical portion that is smoothly connected to the convex portion. . The connecting portion 523 has a columnar shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter (the smallest portion thereof) of the discharge hole 51.

  The storage hole 53 is a concave hole in which the pin 52 is slidably stored, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIGS. The storage hole 53 is slidably stored in a cylindrical portion of the second lid 522. And the accommodation hole 53 is formed so that the cylindrical part of the 2nd cover part 522 may be guided, and the pin 52 slides stably.

  A spring 54 is disposed inside the storage hole 53. The spring 54 presses the end of the pin 52 and is arranged so that the first lid 521 protrudes to the outside. Here, the discharge hole 51 and the pin 52 will be described. As described above, the inner surface of the discharge hole 51 has a shape that allows the first lid portion 521 to fit snugly when the pin 52 moves (slides) toward the inside. The shape of the discharge hole 51 is such that when the outer surface of the first lid portion 521 is flush with the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source cover bottom 132, the surface on the connecting portion 523 side of the first lid portion 521 is the same. It is formed so as to be in close contact with the discharge hole 51.

  Next, the operation of the fluid supply unit 50 will be described. First, FIG. 13 shows a state where the photoacoustic probe 10 is not in contact with the subject Bd. As shown in FIG. 13, the pin 52 is pressed downward (outside) by the elastic force of the spring 54, and a part of the portion of the second lid portion 522 on the connecting portion 523 side becomes the discharge hole 51. fit. As a result, the outer surface of the second lid 522 is in close contact with the end of the discharge hole 51 on the cooling jacket 431 side, seals the discharge hole 51, and prevents the gel from flowing out of the cooling jacket 431.

  In addition, although the surface facing the discharge hole 51 of the 2nd cover part 522 has the same shape as the curved surface of the 1st cover part 521, it is not limited to this. A shape that can tightly seal the discharge hole 51 of the second lid 522 can be widely employed. In addition, it is preferable that it is a shape which becomes thin as it approaches the connection part 523 so that a part of 2nd cover part 522 may fit in the discharge hole 51, and may block the discharge hole 51. FIG. Such a shape may be a convex curved surface shape as shown in FIG. 13 or the like, or a shape (taper shape) obtained by removing the tip of the cone.

  When acquiring the tomographic image information, the photoacoustic probe 10 presses the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source cover bottom 132 of the light source 13 against the subject Bd. That is, the bottom plate portion 1321 moves so as to approach the subject Bd. Since the tip of the pin 52 provided with the first lid portion 521 protrudes to the outside, when the photoacoustic probe 10 is pressed against the subject Bd, the pin 52 precedes the bottom plate portion 1321 before the subject Bd. Contact with.

  When the photoacoustic probe 10 is moved so that the bottom plate portion 1321 is brought close to the subject Bd after the tip of the pin 52 comes into contact with the subject Bd, the pin 52 is pushed by the subject Bd and the inside of the light source unit 13 is moved. Move to. The second lid part 522 that has plugged the discharge hole 51 moves into the light source part 13. Thereby, a clearance gap is formed between the discharge hole 51 and the connection part 523, and the gel which flows through the cooling jacket 431 is discharged outside (refer FIG. 14).

  Further, when the photoacoustic probe 10 comes close to the subject Bd, the bottom plate portion 1321 of the light source cover bottom 132 comes into contact with the subject Bd. At this time, the pin 52 is pushed so that the outer surface of the first lid portion 521 is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 1321, and the first lid portion 521 closes the discharge hole 51. Thereby, it can suppress that the gel which flows through the cooling jacket 431 is discharged outside.

  In the photoacoustic probe 10, when the tomographic image information is not detected, the pin 52 is pushed by the force of the spring 54, the second lid 522 closes the discharge hole 51, and the gel outflow is suppressed. Then, when the photoacoustic probe 10 is pressed against the subject Bd in order to detect tomographic image information, the first lid 521 blocks the discharge hole 51, thereby preventing the gel from flowing out. doing.

  That is, in the photoacoustic probe 10, the discharge hole 51 and the connection hole are not connected until the first cover 521 closes the discharge hole 51 after the outer surface of the first cover 521 of the pin 52 comes into contact. The gel is supplied from the gap to the surface of the subject Bd. Therefore, the cooling mechanism 40 is configured to be able to supply gel necessary and sufficient for matching the acoustic impedance between the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the subject Bd during this time. Specifically, for example, the gel pressure is circulated so that a sufficient amount of the gel that does not decrease the cooling efficiency even when applied to the surface of the subject Bd is circulated and the necessary and sufficient amount can be supplied in the above-described time. And / or controlling the flow rate.

  As described above, since the heat generated from the LED element 131 of the light source unit 13 can be effectively discharged by circulating the gel, an increase in the temperature of the LED element 131 can be suppressed. Moreover, in order to suppress the temperature rise of the LED element 131, it is possible to suppress the conduction of heat to the subject Bd, and to suppress the occurrence of defects such as the quality change and the low temperature burn of the subject Bd.

  Further, the photoacoustic probe 10 is configured to supply the gel to the surface of the subject Bd only while the pin 52 moves, and the supply amount is adjusted, so that the gel application amount is excessive or insufficient. Sometimes the gel can be prevented from leaking. Thereby, the effort which apply | coats a gel can be saved and the convenience of the photoacoustic probe 10 can be improved.

  In the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A according to the present embodiment, the cooling mechanism 40 includes a supply pipe 44 and a discharge pipe 45 so that the heat exchange units 43 inside the two light source units 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heat exchange unit 43 provided in the two light source units 13 may be piped so as to be in series. Moreover, although the photoacoustic probe 10 is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned the light source part 13 one by one on both sides of the acoustic wave detection part 14, it is not limited to this. For example, one light source unit 13 may be divided, and the divided light source units may be arranged in the longitudinal direction. At this time, it is possible to increase the cooling efficiency by piping the divided light source units in parallel.

(Another embodiment)
In the fluid supply part 50, the inner surface of the discharge hole 51 and the connecting part 523 side of the first lid part 521 of the pin 52 are not limited to this and are formed in a curved surface (for example, a spherical surface). For example, like the fluid supply part 50A shown in FIG. 16A, the discharge hole 51a has a tapered through hole that narrows inward, and the first cover part 521a has a tapered pin 52a that is in close contact with the discharge hole 51a. May be provided.

  Moreover, the shape like the fluid supply part 50B shown to FIG. 16B may be sufficient. That is, the fluid supply unit 50B is configured such that the first lid 521 closes the inner surface of the discharge hole 51a when the tip-side surface is flush with the outer surface of the light source cover bottom 132 with respect to the tapered discharge hole 51a. The pin 52 formed so that it may have the curved surface comprised is provided. Even with this configuration, it is possible to supply gel in the same manner as the above-described configuration.

  Further, like the fluid supply part 50C shown in FIG. 16C, the second lid part 522c is formed in a taper shape, and the end part where the second lid part 522c is formed thinly is connected to the first lid part 521. When the pin 52c moves, a gap is formed between the pin 52c and the ejection hole 51a, so that the gel can be applied to the surface of the subject Bd.

  Moreover, these shapes are examples, and when the outer surface is the same as the outer surface of the light source cover bottom, a configuration including a discharge hole and a pin having a shape that can tightly plug the discharge hole 51 is widely adopted. be able to.

(Second Embodiment)
Another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit used in the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention. 17 is the same as the light source unit 13 shown in FIG. 12 except that the light source holder 135 is different and a cooling jacket 432 for flowing gel is provided independently. Therefore, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the light source holder 135 of the light source unit 13 includes a light source holding unit 1351 that holds the light source substrate 130 with the light source holder 135 and the light source cover bottom 132. Further, the light source holding part 135 includes a cooling jacket 432 on the opposite side of the bottom plate part 1321 of the light source holding part 1351.

  By using the light source unit 13 having such a configuration, it is possible to apply gel to the surface of the subject Bd and to efficiently exhaust heat from the LED element 130. Moreover, since the LED element 130 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the bottom plate portion 1321, the light emitted from the LED element 130 is configured to cross only the bottom plate portion 1321, and thus attenuation of light can be suppressed. .

  As a result, it is possible to irradiate the subject Bd with a sufficient amount of light while reducing power consumption. Other features are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Still another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 18 is a perspective view of still another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention, FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a light source unit used in the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. It is a perspective view of a cooling tank. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the light source unit shown in FIG. 18 cut along line XXI-XXI, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the light source unit shown in FIG. 18 cut along line XXII-XXII.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the photoacoustic probe 10B has the same configuration as the photoacoustic probe 10 shown in FIG. 4 and the like except for the light source unit 15, the heat exchange unit 46, and the fluid supply unit 60. . Therefore, in the photoacoustic probe 10B, substantially the same parts as those of the photoacoustic probe 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the photoacoustic probe 10 </ b> B has a configuration in which a pair of light source units 15 are arranged so as to sandwich the acoustic wave detection unit 14 from the Y direction. Since the pair of light source units 15 have substantially the same configuration, one of them (the light source unit 15 on the right side in FIG. 18) will be described as an example.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the light source unit 15 includes a light source cover bottom 151, a light source pressing unit 152, a heat exchange unit 46, and a fluid supply unit 60. The light source cover bottom 151 is a bottomed box having a rectangular shape in plan view, and includes a bottom plate portion 1511 that contacts the subject Bd and a substrate holding portion 1512 that holds the light source substrate 130.

  The light source substrate 130 is arranged so that the mounted LED element 131 faces the subject Bd. At this time, in order to prevent the LED element 131 from being pressed against the bottom plate portion 1511 to be deformed and damaged, the bottom plate portion 1511 is provided with a recess 1513 into which the LED element 131 is inserted. The substrate holding portion 1512 is formed to hold both ends of the light source substrate 130 in the longitudinal direction. Then, the light source pressing portion 152 is inserted into the light source cover bottom 151 to which the light source substrate 130 is attached, so that the light source substrate 130 is held so as not to float from the bottom plate portion 1511.

  And the heat exchange part 46 is arrange | positioned so that the opening of the light source cover bottom 151 in which the light source substrate 130 and the light source pressing part 152 are arrange | positioned inside may be plugged up.

  The heat exchange unit 46 includes a cooling tank 461 (a liquid storage unit), a tank cover 462, a heat pipe 463 (a heat transport unit), a cushion 464, and a heat pipe cover 465. The cooling tank 461 is a container having an open top, and can be covered with a tank cover 462 so as to be watertight. A supply pipe 44 and a discharge pipe 45 are connected to the tank cover 462.

  The cooling tank 461 is a reservoir part for temporarily storing gel that is an acoustic matching fluid supplied from the supply pipe 44. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the cooling tank 461 is provided with an application protrusion 466 in which a fluid supply unit 60 for applying a gel is formed, and a heat exhaust hole 467 through which the heat pipe 463 passes. . As shown in FIG. 19, the coating protrusion 466 is disposed so as to be displaced from the light source cover bottom 151 in the plan view (Y direction). The application protrusion 466 protrudes (in the Z direction) so that the bottom surface is a surface that is uniform with the bottom surface of the light source cover bottom 151.

  The heat pipe 463 includes a heat absorption part 4631 that absorbs heat generated from the LED element 131, and a heat exhaust part 4632 that is bent upward from a part of the heat absorption part 4631. The heat pipe 463 transmits heat from the heat absorption part 4631 to the exhaust heat part 4632 using a change in specific gravity due to the temperature of the refrigerant sealed inside. In addition, although the heat pipe is utilized here, you may utilize the heat-transfer member which deform | transformed the material with high heat conductivity into the same shape.

  The heat absorbing portion of the heat pipe 463 is disposed in a concave hole 1521 formed on the surface of the light source pressing portion 152 opposite to the surface pressing the light source substrate 130. Thus, by forming the concave hole 1521 in the substrate pressing portion 152 and arranging the heat absorbing portion in the concave hole 1521, the distance between the heat absorbing portion 4631 and the LED element 131 is shortened, and the heat exchange efficiency is increased.

  And the heat exhaust part 4632 of the heat pipe 463 is inserted in the heat exhaust hole 467 in a watertight state. Thereby, it is suppressed that the gel which accumulates in the cooling tank 461 leaks from the clearance gap between the exhaust heat part 4632 and the exhaust heat hole 467. Further, by disposing the heat pipe 463 in this way, the exhaust heat portion 4632 directly contacts the gel accumulated in the cooling tank 461. Thereby, heat can be efficiently transferred from the exhaust heat portion 4632 to the gel.

  The cushion 464 and the heat pipe cover 465 are members for firmly pressing the heat pipe 463 against the light source pressing portion 152. By pressing the heat pipe 46 against the light source pressing portion 152, the portion that is not in contact with the light source pressing portion 152 due to warping or deflection of the heat pipe 463 is reduced, and the heat transfer efficiency from the LED element 131 to the heat pipe 463 is increased. . When the heat pipe 463 is configured to come into contact with the light source pressing portion 152 on a wide surface, the cushion 464 and / or the heat pipe cover 465 may be omitted.

  The photoacoustic probe 10B also includes a fluid supply unit 60 that supplies gel from the heat exchange unit 46 to the surface of the subject Bd, as in the photoacoustic probe 10. Details of the fluid supply unit 60 will be described. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid supply unit, FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid supply unit showing a state where the pin is pushed up from the state shown in FIG. 23, and FIG. 25 is a pin view from the state shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the fluid supply part which shows the state further pushed up.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 to 25, the fluid supply unit 60 is provided in the discharge hole 61, a pin 62 that slidably passes through the discharge hole 61, a spring 63 that presses the pin 62, and the discharge hole 61. And a spring holding portion 64 that holds the spring 63.

  The discharge hole 61 is a through hole penetrating from the cooling tank 461 to the outside. The pin 62 penetrates the discharge hole 61 and is slidable so as to protrude to the outside. The pin 62 includes a first lid 621 provided at an end that moves to the outside, a second lid 622 provided at an end opposite to the first lid 621, a first lid 621, and a first lid 621. A columnar connecting portion 623 that connects the two lid portions 622 is provided.

  The first lid 621 has a circular cross section and has a shape in which the outer diameter increases toward the outside. The first lid 621 has a convex shape (for example, a spherical surface). The second lid part 622 has the same shape as the first lid part 621. The connecting portion 623 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter (the smallest portion thereof) of the discharge hole 61.

  The protruding hole 61 includes an outer plug portion 611 in which the first lid portion 621 of the pin 62 is fitted in a watertight manner, an inner plug portion 612 in which the second lid portion 622 is fitted in a watertight manner, an outer plug portion 611 and an inner plug portion. And a communication hole 613 that communicates with 612. A spring holding portion 64 having an inner diameter larger than that of the communication portion 613 is formed in a portion of the communication portion 613 on the outer plug portion 611 side. As shown in FIG. 25, the outer plug portion 611 has a shape in which when the first lid portion 621 is fitted, the outer surface of the first lid portion 621 is flush with the bottom surface of the application protrusion 466. ing.

  One end of the spring 63 is held by the spring holding portion 64 and the other is in contact with the first lid portion 621. The pin 62 is urged to the outside by the elastic force of the spring 63, and the second lid 622 is fitted to the inner plug portion 612 by the urging of the elastic force of the spring 63 to close the discharge hole 61.

  Next, the operation of the fluid supply unit 60 will be described. First, FIG. 23 shows a state where the photoacoustic probe 10B is not in contact with the subject Bd. As shown in FIG. 23, the pin 62 is pressed downward (outside) by the elastic force of the spring 63, and the second lid portion 622 is fitted into the inner plug portion 612 in a watertight manner. Thereby, the discharge hole 61 is blocked and the gel is prevented from flowing out from the cooling tank 461.

  In addition, although the surface facing the inner plug part 612 of the 2nd cover part 622 has the same shape as the curved surface of the 1st cover part 621, it is not limited to this. A shape that can tightly seal the inner plug portion 612 can be widely adopted. In addition, it is preferable that it is a shape which becomes thin as the 2nd cover part 622 approaches the connection part 623 so that it may fit in the inner side plug part 612, and the discharge hole 61 may be plugged up. Such a shape may be a convex curved surface shape as shown in FIG. 23 or the like, or a shape (tapered shape) obtained by removing the tip portion of the cone.

  When acquiring the tomographic image information, the photoacoustic probe 10B presses the bottom plate portion 1511 of the light source cover bottom 151 of the light source unit 15 against the subject Bd. That is, the bottom plate portion 1511 moves so as to approach the subject Bd. At this time, the bottom surface of the application protrusion 466 is also in contact with the subject Bd. Since the tip of the pin 62 provided with the first lid 621 protrudes to the outside, when the photoacoustic probe 10B is pressed against the subject Bd, the pin 62 is covered earlier than the application protrusion 466. Contact specimen Bd.

  After the tip of the pin 62 comes into contact with the subject Bd, when the photoacoustic probe 10B is moved so that the coating protrusion 466 is brought close to the subject Bd, the pin 62 is pushed by the subject Bd and the projection for coating is applied. Move to the inside of the part 466. The second lid portion 622 that has plugged the discharge hole 61 moves to the inside of the coating projection 466. Thereby, a gap is formed between the discharge hole 61 and the connecting portion 623, and the gel accumulated in the cooling tank 461 is discharged to the outside (see FIG. 24).

  Further, when the photoacoustic probe 10B comes close to the subject Bd, the bottom surface of the coating protrusion 466 comes into contact with the subject Bd. At this time, the pin 62 is pushed so that the surface of the first lid portion 621 on the tip side is flush with the bottom surface of the coating projection 466, and the first lid portion 621 fits the outer plug portion 611 in a watertight manner. To do. Thereby, it can suppress that the gel which accumulates in the cooling tank 461 is discharged outside.

  In the photoacoustic probe 10B, when the tomographic image information is not detected, the pin 62 is pushed by the force of the spring 63, the second lid portion 622 is fitted to the inner plug portion 612, the discharge hole 61 is blocked, and the gel flows out. Suppress. When the photoacoustic probe 10B is pressed against the subject Bd in order to detect tomographic image information, the first lid 621 is fitted with the outer plug 611 and plugs the discharge hole 61, thereby causing the gel. Is prevented from flowing out to the outside.

  With the configuration described above, the gel is supplied to the surface of the subject Bd only while the first lid 621 is in contact with the subject Bd and the first lid 621 is engaged with the outer obturator 611. Is possible. Thereby, the effort which apply | coats a gel can be saved. Further, by controlling the gel supply amount by adjusting the flow rate and / or pressure of the gel, it is possible to supply the gel without excess and deficiency, and when not in use and when in contact with the subject Bd Stop supplying gel. Thereby, it is possible to improve user convenience.

  In each said embodiment, although the LED element is utilized as a light emitting element, it is not limited to this. A small element such as a light-emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, or an organic light-emitting diode element that can be easily controlled in light emission can be widely used. In addition, although a plurality of LED elements are mounted side by side on the light emitting substrate, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be directly arranged on a part of the constituent members of the light emitting unit.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this content. The embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments can be implemented in combination as appropriate.

A Photoacoustic imaging apparatus 10 Photoacoustic probe 11 Drive power supply unit 12 LED drive circuit 13 Light source unit 130 Light source substrate 131 LED element (light emitting element)
132 Light source cover bottom 133 Substrate holder 1331 Substrate holding part 1332 Recess 1333 Inflow part 1334 Outflow part 134 Light source cover top 14 Acoustic wave detection part 15 Light source part 151 Light source cover bottom 152 Light source pressing part 20 Image generation part 21 Reception circuit 22 A / D Converter 23 Reception memory 24 Data processing unit 25 Photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 26 Detection / logarithmic converter 27 Photoacoustic image construction unit 28 Ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 29 Detection / logarithmic converter 210 Ultrasonic image construction unit 211 Image composition unit 212 Control Unit 213 Transmission control circuit 30 Image display unit 40 Cooling mechanism (fluid flow path)
41 Gel tank 42 Pump 43 Heat exchange part 431 Cooling jacket 44 Supply pipe 45 Discharge pipe 46 Heat exchange part 461 Cooling tank (reservoir part)
462 Tank cover 463 Heat pipe 464 Cushion 465 Heat pipe cover 50 Fluid supply part 51 Discharge hole 52 Pin 521 First lid part 522 Second lid part 523 Connection part 53 Storage hole 54 Spring 60 Fluid supply part 61 Discharge hole 62 Pin 621 First 1 lid portion 622 2nd lid portion 623 connecting portion 63 spring 64 spring holding portion

Claims (9)

A light source unit that is in contact with the subject and arranged so that a plurality of light emitting elements irradiate the subject with light;
An acoustic wave detection unit for detecting an acoustic wave generated by the light emitted from the light source unit being absorbed inside the subject; and
A fluid flow path through which an acoustic matching fluid that matches the acoustic impedance of the subject and the acoustic wave detection unit flows;
The fluid flow path is provided in the light source unit to transfer heat of the light emitting element to the acoustic matching fluid, and the light source unit is in a state in which the acoustic matching fluid can be applied to the subject. A photoacoustic probe having a fluid supply section that supplies a portion that contacts the subject.   The acoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the fluid supply unit supplies the acoustic matching fluid to a portion of the light source unit that contacts the subject by a pressing load when the fluid supply unit is pressed against the subject. The heat exchange unit has a cooling jacket provided adjacent to the light emitting element,
The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic matching fluid flows continuously in the cooling jacket. The heat exchanging section includes a heat transport section that transports heat from the heat absorption area toward the exhaust heat area;
4. The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the endothermic region is disposed in the vicinity of the light emitting element, and the exhaust heat region is disposed in contact with the acoustic matching fluid. Tentacles. The fluid flow path includes a storage unit that is disposed outside the light source unit and stores the acoustic matching fluid;
The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow path circulates the acoustic matching fluid between the storage unit and the heat exchange unit.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes a light emitting diode element.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes a semiconductor laser element.   The photoacoustic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light emitting element includes an organic light emitting diode element. A photoacoustic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus that images an internal state of the subject based on information from the photoacoustic probe.

Images