Optoacoustic tomography of the mouse brain using interpolated model-matrix inversion

Neuroscience investigations may significantly benefit from the
Conference 8089:
Molecular Imaging III
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availability of accurate imaging methods of the brain of small animals.
Amongst the imaging techniques available, optoacoustic imaging
techniques allow the visualization of optical reporter agents and
anatomical structures with exceptional performance. The imaging is
performed by illuminating the object or region of interest with a short
high-power laser pulses, thus creating an instantaneous temperature
elevation and thermal expansion within it. The resulting broadband
ultrasonic waves carry information on the underlining optical
absorption coefficient variations, local light fluence, and thermo elastic
properties of the object. Optoacoustic imaging provides a typical
resolution in the range of 20-200 µm and high contrast, which enables
quantitative volumetric molecular imaging.
Here we depict the use of our recently introduced interpolated
model-matrix inversion (IMMI) algorithm, developed for quantitative
optoacoustic imaging. Using a 6-day old mouse as a model, we
showcase the capacity of optoacoustic tomography to accurately
visualize the brain and other head structures. The method
demonstrates the merits of quantitative high-resolution imaging
applied volumetrically to produce three-dimensional images. The
performance showcased is superior to other non-invasive optical
imaging investigations studied so far and points to the power of
quantitative image reconstruction.