Real-time optical-resolution photoacoustic endoscope

Currently, the reported endoscopic system cannot meet the necessary conditions for real-time and optical-resolution clinical application simultaneously. In this study, by utilizing a high-repetition-rate laser and optimizing the overall structure of the probe, a real-time optical-resolution photoacoustic endoscope was developed, which could image targets in real time while maintaining a relatively constant lateral resolution. The endoscopic system has a best-resolution of 19 μm and a real-time imaging speed of 25 Hz. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach will push the promotion and commercialization of photoacoustic endoscopic imaging in a variety of preclinical and clinical applications.