title: Optoacoustic imaging of subcutaneous microvasculature with a class one laser.
abstract: We developed a combined imaging platform allowing optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging based on a low energy laser and a handheld probe. The device is based on a sensitive single element 35-MHz focused transducer, a 2-D piezoscanner and a dual-wavelength switchable Nd:YAG laser. Acoustical detection and optical illumination are confocal for optimization of optoacoustic signal-to-noise ratio. The system allows to scan over a range up to 12 mm ×12 mm in xy-direction with an isotropic lateral resolution of about 90 μm. Although the device is a class 1 laser product having pulse energies in the range, in vivo images of subcutaneous microvasculature could be obtained from human skin with signal-to-noise levels as good as 20 dB.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bost
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lemor
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fournelle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D055806:Microvessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000098:blood supply; D061088:Photoacoustic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D014159:Transducers