Using optoacoustic imaging for measuring the temperature dependence of Gruneisen parameter in optically absorbing solutions

Gruneisen parameter is a key temperature-dependent physical characteristic responsible for thermoelastic efficiency of materials. We propose a new methodology for accurate measurements of temperature dependence of Gruneisen parameter in optically absorbing solutions. We use two-dimensional optoacoustic (OA) imaging to improve accuracy of measurements. Our approach eliminates contribution of local optical fluence and absorbance. To validate the proposed methodology, we studied temperature dependence of aqueous cupric sulfate solutions in the range from 22 to 4 degrees C. Our results for the most diluted salt perfectly matched known temperature dependence for the Gruneisen parameter of water. We also found that Gruneisen-temperature relationship for cupric sulfate exhibits linear trend with respect to the concentration. In addition to accurate measurements of Gruneisen changes with temperature, the developed technique provides a basis for future high precision OA temperature monitoring in live tissues. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America