Fourier transform acousto-optic imaging: toward real-time imaging of thick biological media

Acousto-optic imaging of absorbing objects embedded in highly scattering media remains challenging since the detectable signal which is suitable for image reconstruction is weak. Yet, significant improvements were made possible by the joint use of (i) a newly developed and characterized high peak-power laser diode source and (ii) the Fourier Transform Acousto-Optic Imaging (FT-AOI) technique. Albeit FT-AOI was previously reported and demonstrated state-of-the-art performances in real-time imaging, the technique was nevertheless only remonstrated for low-scattering phantoms. Here, we highlight that using a 9 W high-peak power, while maintaining an average power below 1W, proved the ability of the overall setup to probe highly scattering media at video frame rate.