Trends and developments in 3D photoacoustic imaging systems: A review of recent progress

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes the photoacoustic effect by combining optical and ultrasound imaging systems. The development of PAI is mostly centered on the generation of a high-quality 3D reconstruction system for more optimal and accurate identification of tissue abnormalities. This literature study was conducted to analyze the 3D image reconstruction in PAI over 2017–2024. In this review, the collected articles in 3D photoacoustic imaging were categorized based on the approach, design, and purpose of each study. Firstly, the approaches of the studies were classified into three groups: experimental studies, numerical simulation, and numerical simulation with experimental validation. Secondly, the design of the study was assessed based on the photoacoustic modality, laser type, and sensing mechanism. Thirdly, the purpose of the collected studies was summarized into seven subsections, including image quality improvement, frame rate improvement, image segmentation, system integration, inter-systems comparisons, improving computational efficiency, and portable system development. The results of this review revealed that the 3D PAI systems have been developed by various research groups, suggesting the investigation of numerous biological objects. Therefore, 3D PAI has the potential to contribute a wide range of novel biological imaging systems that support real-time biomedical imaging in the future.