Abstract: The present disclosure describes a fast-scanning optical-resolution photoacoustic (fsOR-PAE) endoscope for imaging vasculature within tissues in vivo that includes an ultrasonic transducer and a scanning mirror within a lumen of an elongate casing. The scanning mirror is configured to direct the laser pulses from the pulsed laser source to a focal spot outside the casing in a scanning pattern via an imaging window formed in the casing. The scanning mirror is further configured to direct a plurality of photoacoustic signals from the focal spot to the ultrasonic transducer via the imaging window.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring infrared absorption of a sample that includes delivering a pulse of infrared radiation to a region of the sample, delivering pulses of radiation of a shorter wavelength than infrared radiation to a sub-region within the region, and using one or more properties of the induced photoacoustic signals to create a signal indicative of infrared absorption of the sub-region of the sample.

Abstract: A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of reconstructing photoacoustic imaging data corresponding to a brain of a subject through a skull of a subject utilizing a reconstruction method that incorporates a spatial model of one or more acoustic properties of the brain and skull of the subject derived from an adjunct imaging dataset.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a fast-scanning optical-resolution photoacoustic (fsOR-PAE) endoscope for imaging vasculature within tissues in vivo that includes an ultrasonic transducer and a scanning mirror within a lumen of an elongate casing. The scanning mirror is configured to direct the laser pulses from the pulsed laser source to a focal spot outside the casing in a scanning pattern via an imaging window formed in the casing. The scanning mirror is further configured to direct a plurality of photoacoustic signals from the focal spot to the ultrasonic transducer via the imaging window.

Abstract: In various aspects, a photoacoustic endoscopic probe and methods for measuring a hydration of a connective tissue in vivo using the photoacoustic endoscopic probe are disclosed.

Abstract: A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of reconstructing photoacoustic imaging data corresponding to a brain of a subject through a skull of a subject utilizing a reconstruction method that incorporates a spatial model of one or more acoustic properties of the brain and skull of the subject derived from an adjunct imaging dataset.

Abstract: A photoacoustic medical-imaging device includes a wavelength conversion assembly (108) configured for outputting laser pulses at a targeted wavelength. It also includes a photoacoustic probe configured for acoustic coupling to a patient, for directing the pulses, and for acquiring, in response, radiofrequency data for photoacoustic imaging. It may include an optical fiber bundle (120) that comprises an optical fiber having an input end, and be configured for illuminating, with a homogenous beam, so as to conform to an acceptance angle (160) of the fiber at that end. It may also include a light collimator, and a diffuser for receiving the outputted laser pulses from the collimator. The diffuser may be configured for spreading a focus of the pulsed light (148) over an input aperture of the bundle to equalize the light received by different constituent optical fibers of the bundle. The assembly may include a dye cell (132), and may reside in the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving limited-view photoacoustic tomography using an acoustic reflector are described. In particular, an acoustic reflector and ultrasonic transducer array are integrated to provide a virtual array that enhances the field of view of the ultrasonic transducer array, thereby improving the quality of photoacoustic tomography images obtained using the systems and methods described herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring infrared absorption of a sample that includes delivering a pulse of infrared radiation to a region of the sample, delivering pulses of radiation of a shorter wavelength than infrared radiation to a sub-region within the region, and using one or more properties of the induced photoacoustic signals to create a signal indicative of infrared absorption of the sub-region of the sample.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a 3-D OR-PAM image of microvasculature within a region of interest of a subject is provided. The method includes: focusing a first light pulse at a first depth beneath a first surface position within the region of interest; receiving a first PA signal in response to the first light pulse; focusing a second light pulse at a second depth beneath the first surface position within the region of interest; receiving a second PA signal in response to the second light pulse; and forming the 3-D OR-PAM image by combining the first PA signal and the second PA signal.

Abstract: A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest is disclosed.

Abstract: A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest is disclosed.

Abstract: A reflection-mode photoacoustic endoscope includes a tube, a light source configured to emit a light pulse suitable for photoacoustic imaging, an ultrasonic transducer configured to detect a response signal, and a light and acoustic reflector rotatable relative to the tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving limited-view photoacoustic tomography using an acoustic reflector are described. In particular, an acoustic reflector and ultrasonic transducer array are integrated to provide a virtual array that enhances the field of view of the ultrasonic transducer array, thereby improving the quality of photoacoustic tomography images obtained using the systems and methods described herein.

Abstract: Noninvasively imaging biological tissue using a handheld device. A light pulse is focused into a predetermined area inside an object using a flexibly mounted cantilever beam, acoustic waves emitted by the object in response to the at least one light pulse are detected by a transducer, and an image of the predetermined area inside the object is generated based on a signal generated by the transducer representative of the acoustic waves.

Abstract: A respiratory-gated photoacoustic computed tomography system is disclosed that includes a respiratory motion sensor operatively coupled to a photoacoustic computed tomography system. The respiratory motion sensor monitors respiratory motion of a subject by measuring changes in the levels of a coupling fluid within which the subject is immersed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving limited-view photoacoustic tomography using an acoustic reflector are described. In particular, an acoustic reflector and ultrasonic transducer array are integrated to provide a virtual array that enhances the field of view of the ultrasonic transducer array, thereby improving the quality of photoacoustic tomography images obtained using the systems and methods described herein.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a 3-D OR-PAM image of microvasculature within a region of interest of a subject is provided. The method includes: focusing a first light pulse at a first depth beneath a first surface position within the region of interest; receiving a first PA signal in response to the first light pulse; focusing a second light pulse at a second depth beneath the first surface position within the region of interest; receiving a second PA signal in response to the second light pulse; and forming the 3-D OR-PAM image by combining the first PA signal and the second PA signal.