Fourier photoacoustic microscope improved resolution on single-pixel imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Microscopy
• Acoustic Imaging

Background:

• Single-pixel Fourier photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) offers label-free imaging capabilities.
• Spatially invariant resolution PAM (SIR-PAM) is limited by digital micromirror device (DMD) pixel size and count, restricting lateral resolution and region of interest (ROI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new single-pixel Fourier PAM technique to improve image resolution and ROI.
• To overcome the limitations of SIR-PAM by eliminating the reliance on DMD.

Main Methods:

• Illuminating fixed-angle interfering plane waves generated by two mirrors.
• Varying the laser source frequency to alter fringe frequency and spectral bandwidth.
• Utilizing frequency-swept illumination to achieve high-resolution imaging without DMD.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 1.7 times improvement in lateral resolution compared to SIR-PAM, as validated by Monte Carlo simulations.
• Demonstrated a high-resolution frequency-swept PAM structure by removing ROI limitations.
• Enabled capture of a wider spectral bandwidth for higher-resolution images.

Conclusions:

• The proposed single-pixel Fourier PAM method significantly enhances lateral resolution and ROI.
• Eliminating DMD and employing frequency-swept illumination provides a more versatile and higher-performing PAM system.
• This advancement holds potential for improved biomedical imaging applications.