Three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging system in line confocal mode for breast cancer detection

We present a three-dimensional (3-D) photoacoustic imaging system (PAIS) in line confocal mode for breast cancer detection. With the line confocal mode, the spatial resolution of the PAIS was tested to be improved about three times compared with the nonconfocal mode PAIS. Furthermore, with a flexible scanning system and no compression on the breast, the PAIS could supply a comfortable and safe diagnosis process for the patient. An ex vivo breast tumor imaging experiment was performed and the tumor was visualized by the 3-D photoacoustic image. The experimental result demonstrated that the system had great potential of application in breast cancer detection. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3518704]