Abstract: An optoacoustic sensor is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and to detect acoustic waves, and a contact element is configured to be brought into contact with the object, the contact element being spaced from the optoacoustic sensor and being transparent to the electromagnetic radiation and the acoustic waves. Further, a scanning unit is configured to cause a movement of the optoacoustic sensor relative to the contact element, and a sealing element is configured to seal a space between the contact element and the optoacoustic sensor. The sealed space contains an acoustic coupling medium. At least a part of the sealing element is flexible to allow for the movement of the optoacoustic sensor relative to the contact element. Further, the optoacoustic sensor comprises a focused ultrasonic transducer configured to detect the acoustic waves generated in the object, the ultrasonic transducer having an axis of symmetry, and a light-emitting element configured to emit the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handheld device and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object, comprising an irradiation unit for irradiating the object with electromagnetic radiation, for example, light, and a detector unit for detecting acoustic, for example, ultrasonic, waves generated in the object upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the detector unit comprises an array of detector elements. In order to facilitate an acquisition of high-quality tomographic optoacoustic images from different depths within the object at a simple overall design, the handheld device may be provided with a recess, in which the irradiation unit and the array of detector elements are provided, wherein the detector elements are arranged in the recess such that the surface normals of at least a part of the detector elements are directed to a region of interest on or within the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and an according method for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object (1), comprising an irradiation unit (2, 3) for irradiating the object (1) with electromagnetic radiation, in particular light, and a transducer unit (4) comprising a plurality of transducer elements (5), the transducer elements (5) being configured to emit ultrasound waves impinging on the object (1) and to detect ultrasound waves which are reflected and/or transmitted by the object (1) upon impinging on the object (1), and to detect ultrasound waves which are generated in the object (1) upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the transducer elements (1) are arranged along a curved line, in particular a concave line, or a curved surface, in particular a concave surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and an according method for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object (1), comprising an irradiation unit (2, 3) for irradiating the object (1) with electromagnetic radiation, in particular light, and a transducer unit (4) comprising a plurality of transducer elements (5), the transducer elements (5) being configured to emit ultrasound waves impinging on the object (1) and to detect ultrasound waves which are reflected and/or transmitted by the object (1) upon impinging on the object (1), and to detect ultrasound waves which are generated in the object (1) upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the transducer elements (1) are arranged along a curved line, in particular a concave line, or a curved surface, in particular a concave surface.