Polymer-based spherical matrix array for high resolution real-time volumetric optoacoustic micro-angiography

Optoacoustic (OA) tomography has recently demonstrated ultrafast imaging rates, owing to its unique ability to capture volumetric image data with a single nanosecond-duration flash of light. The achievable spatial resolution of volumetric tomography is however limited by the narrow bandwidth and lack of scalability of the piezo-composite arrays currently employed for OA signal detection. Here we report on the first implementation of high-density spherical matrix array technology based on flexible polyvinylidene difluoride films featuring ultrawideband (38 MHz) sub-millimeter sized elements thus enabling volumetric imaging with ~35 μm resolution, superior image fidelity and excellent signal to noise performance permitting real-time imaging of deep tissues without employing signal averaging. We demonstrate real-time volumetric in vivo imaging capabilities of the new approach by performing cerebral angiography in mice. The new technology leverages the true potential of OA for high spatio-temporal resolution visualization of rapid biodynamics.