The USPTO issued Patent US12593986B2 to Caltech for a method of photoacoustic brain imaging using transmission mode tomography. The invention delivers diffuse light to the brain and detects acoustic waves transmitted through an acoustic window in the skull, classified under CPC A61B 5/0095. The patent grants exclusive rights to the assignee for the claimed imaging technology.

Entities developing similar photoacoustic brain imaging technology should assess whether their products or methods fall within the scope of these 27 claims. Patent holders may pursue enforcement against infringers. No compliance deadlines apply to third parties, as this is an IP rights issuance rather than a regulatory requirement.