LED-based optoacoustic tomography of mice

Significance: Optoacoustic tomography systems commonly employ bulky and expensive solid-state laser sources readily capable of generating dozens of millijoules of optical energy per pulse. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may offer a significantly more affordable and compact solution with excellent pulse-to-pulse stability. Yet, the optical design must optimize the energy density delivered to the target, given the relatively low per-pulse energy output of LEDs. Aim: We exploit a full-view LED-based optoacoustic tomography (FLOAT) configuration for imaging of mice. Approach: The system features panoramic light illumination delivering 0.48 mJ of total per-pulse energy with an array of 160 LEDs stacked into a cylindrically focused circular ultrasound array transducer. Results: We characterize the imaging performance of the FLOAT system in tissue-mimicking phantoms, subsequently demonstrating its ability for cross-sectional mouse imaging. Conclusions: It is anticipated that the compact, low-cost FLOAT imaging system will open up new venues in resource-limited settings for studying large-scale biodynamics such as pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of molecular agents and drugs on a whole-body level.