Integrated photoacoustic and fluorescence confocal microscopy

Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy has demonstrated utility in imaging and characterizing microvasculature networks in vivo. This work presents a novel imaging system that integrates optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy for simultaneous photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. The integrated system can acquire intrinsically registered photoacoustic and fluorescence images in a single scan. Capable of providing micrometer scale microscopic imaging of both optical absorption and fluorescence contrasts, the system demonstrates in vivo imaging of oxygen saturation and oxygen partial pressure in mouse ears.