Design and characterization of an array-based photoacoustic tomographic system for small animal imaging

Interest in small animal imaging has surged in recent years, due in large part to the refinement of noninvasive imaging modalities with the requisite resolution and molecular specificity, such as PET, MRI, and optical technologies [1,2]. 310These methods allow continuous in vivo monitoring of animal models throughout extended longitudinal studies and they have proven essential for oncological and molecular biological studies [3]. Furthermore, implementations with near real-time imaging capabilities have enabled functional studies, such as blood flow and oxygenation changes resulting from brain activity [4,5]. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) promises to become an important tool in this medical imaging arsenal due to its ability to produce ultrasound-resolution images using intrinsic optical contrast [6].