Cylindrical lens configuration for optimizing light delivery in a curvilinear endocavity photoacoustic imaging system

Curvilinear endocavity ultrasound images capture a wide field of view with a miniature probe. In adapting photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to work with such ultrasound systems, light delivery is challenged by the trade-off between image quality and laser safety concerns. Here, we present two novel, to the best of our knowledge, designs based on cylindrical lenses that are optimized for transvaginal PAI B-scan imaging. Our simulation and experimental results demonstrate that, compared to conventional light delivery methods for PAI imaging, the proposed designs are safer for higher pulse energies and provide deeper imaging and a wider lateral field of view. The proposed designs could also improve the performance of endoscopic co-registered ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging in other clinical applications.