Transmission-reflection optoacoustic ultrasound (TROPUS) computed tomography of whole mice

We present a hybrid transmission-reflection optoacoustic ultrasound (TROPUS) small animal imaging platform that combines optoacoustic tomography with both reflection- and transmission-mode ultrasound computed tomography. The system features full-view cross-sectional tomographic imaging geometry for concomitant noninvasive mapping of the absorbed optical energy, acoustic reflectivity, speed of sound and acoustic attenuation in whole live mice with submillimeter resolution and unrivaled image quality.