Bost, W.W.BostLemor, R.R.LemorFournelle, M.M.Fournelle2022-03-042022-03-042014https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/23815810.1109/TMI.2014.2326552We developed a combined imaging platform allowing optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging based on a low energy laser and a handheld probe. The device is based on a sensitive single element 35-MHz focused transducer, a 2-D piezoscanner and a dual-wavelength switchable Nd:YAG laser. Acoustical detection and optical illumination are confocal for optimization of optoacoustic signal-to-noise ratio. The system allows to scan over a range up to 12 mm ×12 mm in xy-direction with an isotropic lateral resolution of about 90 mm. Although the device is a class 1 laser product having pulse energies in the range, in vivo images of subcutaneous microvasculature could be obtained from human skin with signal-to-noise levels as good as 20 dB.en615journal article