9734491 Wang This research project is supported under the Early Career Development (CAREER) program. This premier program emphasizes the importance the National Science Foundation places on the early development of academic careers dedicated to stimulating the discovery process in which the excitement of research is enhanced by inspired teaching and enthusiastic learning. It combines in a single program the support of research and education of the highest quality and in the broadest sense. The research activity involves the use of ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (USMOT), a novel system combining an ultrasonic transducer and a laser system, to study the acousto- optical effects in liquid and gel turbid media (e.g. biological tissues). The specific tasks of the activity include: 1) computer modeling of turbid acousto-optics; 2) effects of the ultrasonic wave on the ultrasound modulation of light; 3) effects of the light source on the ultrasound modulation of light; 4) effects of the relative configuration between the ultrasonic wave and light on the ultrasound modulation of light; 5) effects of the acoustic and optical properties and geometry of the media; and 6) characterization and optimization of images of turbid media. The educational plan aims to directly involve students in the research, with specific goals including the development of a new course in Optical Imaging, expansion of an existing course in Medical Imaging, and outreach to pre-college students through the Texas A&M Summer Student Program. It is conjectured that the development of turbid acousto-optics as a new field in optical engineering may lead to applications in medicine, underwater detection, and atmospheric optics. ***
