High-throughput ultraviolet photoacoustic microscopy with multifocal excitation

J Biomed Opt. 2018 Mar;23(3):1-6. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.23.3.036007.

Abstract

Ultraviolet photoacoustic microscopy (UV-PAM) is a promising intraoperative tool for surgical margin assessment (SMA), one that can provide label-free histology-like images with high resolution. In this study, using a microlens array and a one-dimensional (1-D) array ultrasonic transducer, we developed a high-throughput multifocal UV-PAM (MF-UV-PAM). Our new system achieved a 1.6 ± 0.2 μm lateral resolution and produced images 40 times faster than the previously developed point-by-point scanning UV-PAM. MF-UV-PAM provided a readily comprehensible photoacoustic image of a mouse brain slice with specific absorption contrast in ∼16 min, highlighting cell nuclei. Individual cell nuclei could be clearly resolved, showing its practical potential for intraoperative SMA.

Keywords: 1-D array ultrasonic transducer; microlens array; photoacoustic imaging; surgical margin assessment; ultraviolet laser.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / surgery
  • Equipment Design
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Acoustic / methods*
  • Photoacoustic Techniques / methods*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonography / instrumentation