Deep reflection-mode photoacoustic imaging of biological tissue.

A reflection-mode photoacoustic (PA) imaging system was designed and built to image deep structures in biological tissues. We chose near-infrared laser pulses of 804-nm wavelength for PA excitation to achieve deep penetration. To minimize unwanted surface signals, we adopted dark-field ring-shaped illumination. This imaging system employing a 5-MHz spherically focused ultrasonic transducer provides penetration up to 38 mm in chicken breast tissue. At the 19-mm depth, the axial resolution is 144 microm and the transverse resolution is 560 microm. Internal organs of small animals were imaged clearly.