Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy based on two-dimensional scanning galvanometer

An optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy system was designed and fabricated by integration of a two-dimensional scanning galvanometer, an objective lens, an unfocused ultrasound transducer, and a sample stage. The lateral resolution of the system was measured to be similar to 500 nm. Ex vivo erythrocytes were used to test the imaging capability of the system, and a single erythrocyte was mapped with high contrast. Furthermore, in vivo blood vessels of a mouse ear were clearly shown, and the injured blood vessels were also monitored. The experimental results demonstrate that galvanometer-based photoacoustic microscopy holds clinical potential in detecting lesion of erythrocyte and blood vessel. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3675907]