Multilateration-based photoacoustic tomography for reconstruction-free 3D particle localization
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Localization-based photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has been widely used for resolving the spatial distribution of absorptive targets. However, most existing implementations rely on high-density transducer arrays and reconstruction algorithms that require substantial computational resources, which restrict their accessibility and scalability. We present a multilateration-based photoacoustic tomography (MPAT) that enables precise 3D localization of photoacoustic sources using only a small number of ultrasonic transducers without the need for image reconstruction. Simulations and experiments indicate that MPAT provides 3D multilateration with micrometer-level precision using a small number of transducers and accurately captures both static distributions and dynamic particle trajectories. This study introduces the MPAT method and establishes a theoretical and experimental framework for its systematic evaluation, providing a basis for reconstruction-free and geometry-flexible particle multilateration using sparse transducer measurements.
Source: Optics Express
DOI: 10.1364/oe.588111
Authors: Huazhen Chen, Feiyu Lu, Shuyao Liao, Biqin Dong
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,270
OpenAlex ID: W7129094575