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Optoacoustic tomography is typically implemented with bulky solid-state lasers delivering per-pulse energies in the millijoule range. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) represent a cost-effective and portable alternative for signal excitation further offering excellent pulse-to-pulse stability. Herein, we describe a full-view LED-based optoacoustic tomography (FLOAT) system for deep-tissue in vivo imaging. A custom-made electronic unit driving a stacked array of LEDs attains stable light pulses with total per-pulse energy of 0.48 mJ and 100 ns pulse width. The LED array was arranged on a circular configuration and integrated in a full-ring ultrasound array enabling full-view tomographic imaging performance in cross-sectional (2D) geometry. As a proof of concept, we scanned the medial phalanx of the index finger without extrinsic administration of a contrast agent. We anticipate that this compact, affordable, and versatile illumination technology will facilitate dissemination of the optoacoustic technology in resource-limited settings.
Liu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.