The integrated high-resolution reflection-mode photoacoustic and fluorescence confocal microscopy

A dual modality microscopy with the highest imaging resolution reported so far based on reflection-mode photoacoustic and confocal fluorescence is presented in this study. The unique design of the imaging head of the microscope makes it highly convenient for scalable high-resolution imaging by simply switching the optical objectives. The submicron resolution performance of the system is demonstrated via in vivo imaging of zebrafish, normal mouse ear, and a xenograft tumor model inoculated in the mouse ear. The imaging results confirm that the presented dual-modality microscopy imaging system could play a vital role in observing model organism, studying tumor angiogenesis and assessment of antineoplastic drugs.