Photoacoustic probe using a microring resonator ultrasonic sensor for endoscopic applications.

We designed an all-optical photoacoustic (PA) probe for endoscopic applications by employing an optically transparent, coverslip-type, polymeric microring resonator ultrasonic sensor. We experimentally quantified the axial, tangential, and radial resolutions and angular sensitive stability of this probe. Using this probe, we achieved volumetric imaging of several phantoms. Our all-optical probe design offers clear benefit in integrating PA endoscope with other optical endoscopic imaging modalities to facilitate the transformation from bench to bedside.