Phase-coherent multi-sensor synthesis for enhanced photoacoustic imaging: a comprehensive framework for optimal sensor integration

We present a comprehensive framework for phase-coherent multi-sensor synthesis in photoacoustic imaging, offering a practical approach to expand the effective bandwidth of acoustic detection. Our approach integrates precise point spread function characterization, phase-aware deconvolution, and adaptive signal synthesis to optimize the complementary advantages of sensors with different frequency responses. Using two optical fiber sensors with distinct diameters (125 μm and 90 μm) and resonant frequencies (22 MHz and 31 MHz), we demonstrate that phase-corrected synthesis significantly outperforms direct signal addition, achieving enhanced spatial resolution (from 170 μm to 83 μm) and 6 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In phantom and in vivo human palm imaging experiments, our method enables simultaneous visualization of vessels across scales of different sizes with improved clarity. The framework is generalizable to various sensor technologies, offering a versatile solution for enhancing photoacoustic imaging performance in clinical applications requiring detailed vascular visualization.