Abstract

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 $800\mathrm{\mu m}$ 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 $600\mathrm{kHz}$ repetition rate. Phantom studies indicate $7\mathrm{\mu m}$ 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.

© 2011 Optical Society of America

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