Abstract: A system includes a light source to generate an optical signal having a set of pulses at a first repetition rate. The system also includes a multiplexer circuit to generate a multiplexed optical signal from the optical signal n sets of pulses at a second repetition rate, where the n sets of pulses have different polarization states and are at the first repetition rate. The system also includes a focusing unit to split the multiplexed optical signal into n excitation signals to excite a sample. The system also includes an objective to receive the n excitation signals and to illuminate the sample. The objective and the focusing unit collectively focus each excitation signal of the n excitation signals on a different focal plane of the sample to generate a response signal. The system also includes a demultiplexer circuit to generate n emission signals based on the response signal.

Abstract: A system includes a light source to generate an optical signal having a set of pulses at a first repetition rate. The system also includes a multiplexer circuit to generate a multiplexed optical signal from the optical signal n sets of pulses at a second repetition rate, where the n sets of pulses have different polarization states and are at the first repetition rate. The system also includes a focusing unit to split the multiplexed optical signal into n excitation signals to excite a sample. The system also includes an objective to receive the n excitation signals and to illuminate the sample. The objective and the focusing unit collectively focus each excitation signal of the n excitation signals on a different focal plane of the sample to generate a response signal. The system also includes a demultiplexer circuit to generate n emission signals based on the response signal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for gelatin based tissue mimicking opto-acoustic phantom that accurately replicates opto-acoustic properties of biological tissue and permits matching of each optical and each acoustic property of specific tissues independently so that by changing one property the other property is not altered. Such phantoms can match tissue properties in the specific range of system parameters required for evaluation of hardware and software performance, calibration, validation or personnel training of optical, optoacoustic, ultrasonic or combined system used for imaging, sensing or monitoring of tissue morphology and molecular composition.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for gelatin based tissue mimicking opto-acoustic phantom that accurately replicates opto-acoustic properties of biological tissue and permits matching of each optical and each acoustic property of specific tissues independently so that by changing one property the other property is not altered. Such phantoms can match tissue properties in the specific range of system parameters required for evaluation of hardware and software performance, calibration, validation or personnel training of optical, optoacoustic, ultrasonic or combined system used for imaging, sensing or monitoring of tissue morphology and molecular composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are scanning, high-resolution optoacoustic imaging systems or microscopes. Generally, the system/microscope comprises subsystems for scanning a tissue or object therein with a wavelength of electromagnetic energy, such as optical energy, collecting and detecting ultrasonic waves produced when the tissue or object absorbs the incident wavelength and converting the same to an electrical signal, and for processing, analyzing and displaying the electrical signal as a digital image. Specifically, the system/microscope utilizes an off-axis parabolic reflector with a high numerical aperture value for deep tissue visualization. Also, provided is a method for collecting volumetric image data voxel-by-voxel within a subject utilizing the imaging system or microscope. A series of voxels within the scanned tissue produces detectable ultrasonic waves that are collected by the off-axis parabolic reflector and processed as described as a high-resolution image of the tissue or object therein.