Dual-frequency fiber-array photoacoustic computed tomography for high-resolution deep brain imaging

Abstract Photoacoustic tomography as an optical-ultrasound hybrid imaging modality provides rich optical contrast over the extended penetration depth of biological tissues, enabling multiscale multicontrast structural and functional imaging. However, inherent limitations in the state-of-the-art piezoelectric transducer arrays of the photoacoustic tomography, including size-dependent sensitivity, narrow bandwidth, and high material rigidity, compromise the resolution, penetration depth, and functional assessment precision. Here, an arc-shaped fiber ultrasound transducer array with a sheet-like ultrasound focus is demonstrated for photoacoustic computed tomography. At the ultrasound focus, a low detection limit of ~ 5.2 Pa and a dual-frequency response spanning several octaves are achieved. Whole mouse brain imaging with a depth up to ~ 1.2 cm and a spatial resolution of ~ 70 μm in the cerebral cortex region is showcased. The blood oxygen saturation within the entire mouse brain and the brain tumors is visualized, and the assessment precision is improved by leveraging the dual-frequency response of the transducer array. The centimeter-scale imaging depth, fine resolution of the cerebral vessels, and improved precision in the blood oxygenation evaluation make the fiber-array photoacoustic tomography a competitive candidate to the sought-after magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound localization microscopy for brain functionality study and disease diagnosis.