Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026

08:31
Three-dimensional Optical-resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy
Published on: May 3, 2011
18.2K
Large-field-of-view optical-resolution optoacoustic microscopy using a stationary silicon-photonics acoustic detector
Tamar Harary1, Michael Nagli1, Nathan Suleymanov1
1Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, The Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|January 8, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel optical-resolution optoacoustic microscopy (OR-OAM) system using a stationary silicon-photonics acoustic detector (SPADE). This advancement enables label-free microvasculature imaging with a large field of view without mechanical scanning, paving the way for compact clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Medical Imaging
- Acoustic Sensing
Background:
- Optical-resolution optoacoustic microscopy (OR-OAM) offers label-free microvasculature imaging.
- Current OR-OAM systems often require bulky coaxial setups with mechanical scanning of ultrasound transducers, limiting field of view and portability.
- A key challenge is developing OR-OAM configurations that eliminate the need for physical scanning of acoustic components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an OR-OAM system that bypasses the need for physically scanning the ultrasound transducer or acoustic beam path.
- To demonstrate a non-coaxial OR-OAM configuration for efficient microvasculature imaging.
Main Methods:
- A novel OR-OAM system utilizing a silicon-photonics acoustic detector (SPADE) with semi-isotropic sensitivity was developed.
- The system employed a non-coaxial configuration where only the optical excitation beam was scanned, while the SPADE remained stationary.
- Demonstrations were performed in both epi-illumination and trans-illumination configurations.
Main Results:
- The system achieved imaging of resolution targets and in vivo microvasculature in a mouse ear.
- Demonstrated optoacoustic imaging with focal spots down to sub-micron levels and lateral resolution of .
- Achieved a field of view exceeding 4 mm in both lateral dimensions without acoustic scanning.
Conclusions:
- A new OR-OAM design compatible with epi-illumination was successfully showcased.
- The developed setup enables large fields of view without scanning acoustic components, offering potential for high-speed imaging.
- This compact, miniature probe design could significantly facilitate the clinical translation of OR-OAM technology.

