Technologies & Services
SCi3 currently provides single- and multi-modality imaging technologies and associated services, with state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind instrumentation. Services include hands-on trainings in instruments and data analysis, experimental design and consultation, radionuclide and theranostic research environment, and imaging data archiving and repositories. Below is a brief description of each of the available instruments.
Ultrasound imaging systems work through the generation of sound waves from transducers into the subject. As the sound waves propagate through tissue, they are reflected back and picked up by the transducer, and can then be translated into 2D and 3D images. Ultrasound systems for small animals are specifically developed with higher frequencies ranging from 15 MHz to 80 MHz compared to clinical ultrasound system with frequencies range from 3-15 MHz. In addition, contrast agents in the form of microbubbles, which have different acoustic properties from that of tissues can be introduced into animal systems to highlight structure such as vasculature or be targeted towards specific receptors.
Vevo F2 LAZR-X20 (in Clark)
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) combines optical excitation with ultrasound detection to image tissue absorbers with high spatial resolution and sensitivity. Short laser pulses (<10 ns) at energies about 1–30 mJ cause tiny thermoelastic heating, emitting ultrasound detected by transducers (center frequencies ~1–20 MHz). The arrival times of the signals are used to reconstruct 3D maps of absorber distributions, enabling visualization of blood vessels, tumor hypoxia, and vascular architecture in a non-ionizing, repeatable modality for longitudinal studies.
- Flexibility to image at low frequency for improved Imaging depth (up to 9 cm)
- Image at ultra-high frequency for superior resolution (down to 30 microns)
- Interchangeable fiber optics that facilitate application-specific light delivery
- Plane-wave imaging possibilities
- Obtain pre-beamformed individual channel data
Visualize real-time oxygen saturation and molecular imaging, co-registered with high resolution anatomy.
Laser Type |
Nd:YAG laser with OPO |
| Wavelength Range | 660-1320nm |
Peak Energy |
130mJ @ 660nm |
Vevo 2100 Ultrasound (in CMP)
Vevo 2100 System operates at high frequencies using solid-state array transducers. The MicroScan™ transducers provide increased frame rates, higher contrast and resolution, and a wide field of view.
- 30 micron resolution
- Uniform image quality through entire FOV
- Color and Power Doppler Modes for blood flow quantification & anatomical identification
- M-Mode single line acquisition allowing high-temporal resolution for LV functional analysis
- 3D-Mode Imaging & Volume Analysis
- Nonlinear Contrast Imaging
- Advanced measurements & quantification
