PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently detect the disconnection and deterioration of optical fibers in a photoacoustic imaging apparatus including a probe composed by arranging piezoelectric elements and the leading ends of optical fibers for propagating light.SOLUTION: The photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes the probe 103 composed by arranging the piezoelectric elements 131 and the leading ends of the optical fibers 130 for propagating light. The apparatus is provided with a means for detecting a change in output voltage due to the pyroelectricity of the piezoelectric elements 131.COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT【課題】光を伝搬させる光ファイバの先端部および圧電素子が配置されてなるプローブを備えた光音響画像化装置において、光ファイバの断線や劣化を効率良く検知できるようにする。【解決手段】光を伝搬させる光ファイバ130の先端部および圧電素子131が配置されてなるプローブ103を備えた光音響画像化装置において、圧電素子131の焦電性による出力電圧の変化を検出する手段を設ける。【選択図】図3
