Fast-scanning reflection-mode integrated photoacoustic and optical-coherence microscopy

We previously demonstrated that multimodal microscopy combining photoacoustic microscopy and optical coherence tomography can provide comprehensive insight into biological tissue at μm-level resolution by exploiting both optical absorption and scattering contrasts. Recently, we have developed a second-generation integrated photoacoustic and optical-coherence microscope, which can potentially be adapted for clinical applications. In this new system, we can perform photoacoustic and optical-coherence imaging simultaneously at a speed of 5,000 A-lines per second with real-time on-screen display. Also, both modalities now work in reflection mode instead of transmission mode, allowing easy access to various anatomical locations of interest. Imaging of skin and eye has been demonstrated in living small animals.