Label-free in vivo fiber-based optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy

In this Letter, the capability of label-free fiber-based optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy is demonstrated. This real-time imaging system takes advantage of image-guide fibers and a unique fiber laser. The 800?μm image-guide consists of 30,000 individual single-mode fibers in a bundle and the diode-pumped, pulsed Ytterbium fiber laser is utilized to perform up to 600?kHz repetition rate. Phantom studies indicate 7?μm resolution. The proposed setup keeps many of the powerful properties of previous tabletop OR-PAM systems, but also offers a submillimeter probe footprint and high flexibility due to the nature of the image-guide. This system could have significant clinical impact for endoscopic applications where the thin fiber can be inserted into the body.