The LaPla-CRA-US project aims to advance cancer research by developing a new way to generate and control high-intensity ultrasound using laser technology. Instead of conventional ultrasound sources, the project uses laser-plasma sound sources, created when short laser pulses interact with water. These sources can produce very strong and precisely controlled ultrasonic waves. Thanks to their unique properties, laser-plasma sound sources allow ultrasound beams to be shaped, focused, and tuned with high accuracy in space and time. This makes them particularly suitable for medical applications that require targeted energy delivery, such as heating or mechanically damaging cancer tissues while minimizing effects on surrounding healthy areas. The project studies how these laser-generated ultrasound waves propagate in water and in special materials that mimic human tissues. By carefully controlling the ultrasound characteristics, the research explores how localized heating or mechanical effects can be achieved in a controlled and repeatable way. The ultimate goal of the project is to evaluate whether laser-based ultrasound technology can become a promising alternative to existing medical ultrasound systems, offering improved precision and flexibility for future non-invasive cancer research and therapeutic applications.

Scientific/Research Objectives

RO1 – Extensive Characterisation of LPSS in Water
RO1 focuses on the detailed experimental study of laser-plasma sound sources generated in water using nanosecond, picosecond, or femtosecond laser pulses. It examines how laser parameters such as pulse energy, wavelength, and focusing affect the size of the plasma, the acoustic emission profile, and the generated pressure and frequency content. This objective provides fundamental understanding of laser-plasma sound generation and establishes the basis for controlling these sources.

RO2 – Spatial and Spectral Control of LPSS Acoustic Emission
RO2 aims to control how laser-plasma sound sources emit and propagate ultrasound in water and tissue-mimicking materials. The project investigates the use of acoustic mirrors, lenses, filters, and laser control methods to steer, focus, and shape the ultrasound beam and its frequency spectrum. The results enable precise control of acoustic focal spot size, intensity distribution, and spectral content, which are critical for medical applications.

RO3 – Thermal and Mechanical Effects of LPSS Ultrasound
RO3 studies how high-intensity ultrasound generated by laser-plasma sources interacts with water and tissue-mimicking phantoms. The research investigates both thermal effects, such as localized heating, and mechanical effects, including cavitation and material disruption. This objective aims to optimize acoustic energy delivery while understanding how ultrasound parameters influence the resulting physical effects.

RO4 – Demonstration for Cancer Research Applications
RO4 demonstrates the use of laser-plasma-generated ultrasound in realistic experimental scenarios relevant to cancer research. Using specially designed tissue-mimicking phantoms, the project evaluates controlled thermal and mechanical effects while assessing potential impact on surrounding healthy tissue. This objective determines the feasibility, efficiency, and safety of LPSS-based ultrasound as an alternative to conventional HIFU technologies.

Methodology & Work Packages

WP1 – Project Management

Duration: Months 1–36
This work package ensures the smooth coordination, monitoring, and reporting of all project activities. Its main outcome is effective project execution, timely delivery of results, and efficient collaboration within the consortium.

WP2 – LPSS Acoustic Characterisation & Control

Duration: Months 1–36
WP2 focuses on understanding how laser-plasma sound sources generate ultrasound and how their acoustic properties can be controlled. The main outcome is the ability to shape, focus, and tune ultrasound beams through laser and acoustic control techniques.

WP3 – Thermo-Mechanical Effects

Duration: Months 1–36
This work package studies how controlled ultrasound beams interact with water and tissue-mimicking materials, producing thermal and mechanical effects. Its main outcome is a clear understanding of how ultrasound parameters influence heating and mechanical impact.

WP4 – Cancer Research Applications

Duration: Months 24–36
WP4 applies the developed ultrasound techniques to cancer tissue-mimicking phantoms under realistic conditions. The main outcome is the demonstration of targeted thermal and mechanical effects relevant to cancer research.

WP5 – Dissemination & Communication

Duration: Months 1–36
This work package is dedicated to communicating the project’s scientific results to the research community, the public, and potential stakeholders. The main outcome is broad visibility of the project through publications, conferences, outreach activities, and the project website.

Expected Impact

Scientific Impact

• Advancement of laser-based HIFU technology

• New knowledge in laser-water interaction and acoustic beam control

• Alternative to piezoelectric ultrasound systems

Societal Impact

• Contribution to non-invasive cancer treatment research

• Improved precision and safety in future therapeutic technologies

“This project is funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the 3rd Call for Research Projects to Support Faculty Members and Researchers.”