PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological examination apparatus capable of minimizing the attenuation of light intensity and an elastic wave caused by living tissue, highly efficiently irradiating a subject with light energy not exceeding the MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure), and detecting the elastic wave with a high S/N ratio.SOLUTION: A biological examination apparatus includes: a light source for generating light to irradiate a subject E elastic wave detecting means for detecting an elastic wave generated by the subject that has absorbed the irradiated light and an acoustic matching layer one surface of which is provided in contact with the elastic wave detecting means and the other surface of which is contactable with the subject. In this configuration, the biological examination apparatus allows the light to pass through the acoustic matching layer for irradiating the subject. The biological examination apparatus further comprises light diffusing means for irradiating the subject with the light having almost uniform intensity irrespective of the position inside the acoustic matching layer.COPYRIGHT: (C)2014,JPO&INPIT【課題】生体組織による光強度と弾性波の減衰を最小限に抑え、被検体にMPE(最大露光許容量)を超えない光エネルギーを高効率に照射することができ、高いS/Nで弾性波が検出可能となる生体検査装置を提供する。【解決手段】被検体Eに照射するための光を発生する光源と、照射された光を吸収した前記被検体が発生する弾性波を検出する弾性波検出手段と、一面で前記弾性波検出手段と接して設けられ、他面で前記被検体と接触しうる音響整合層と、を有する生体検査装置であって、前記光は、前記音響整合層を経由して前記被検体に対して照射可能に構成され、前記音響整合層の中の位置に依らず略均一な強度の光を照射するための光拡散手段を有する構成とする。【選択図】図1
