Biomedical photoacoustics in China☆

During the last decade, along with its explosive growth globally, biomedical photoacoustics has become a rapidly growing research field in China as well. In particular, photoacoustic tomography (PAT), capable of imaging intact biological tissue in vivo at great depths, has generated intense interest among Chinese researchers. This review briefly summarizes the current status and recent progress of the research in PAT in China. The focus is on the technology development and biomedical applications of three representative embodiments of PAT: photoacoustic microscopy, photoacoustic computed tomography, and photoacoustic endoscopy. In addition, recent development and studies in other related areas are also reviewed shortly.