Notice of Removal: Handheld optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy probe for preclinical application

Abstract

In this study, we developed an imaging device for preclinical and clinical application using photoacoustic effect. The photoacoustic effect is to make ultrasound images using light as its name illustrates. Light irradiated in a short time (nano seconds) is absorbed by the tissue, and the local pressure is generated by the thermo-elastic expansion. The photoacoustic effect is a safe method of imaging because it uses an endogenous chromophore in the human body without the use of an external contrast agent. In this study, the image uses an optical-resolution photoacoustic microscope (OR-PAM) which has a resolution of 12 ¥im. The conventional or-pam has the disadvantage of being slow and bulky using mechanical motors. To overcome this problem, our research team developed a photoacoustic imaging system that uses a MEMS scanner to equip a fast image capability into a compact handheld probe.