Device and method for hybrid optoacoustic tomography and ultrasonography

A device for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object, the device comprising:

• an irradiation unit comprising a laser or light-guiding elements irradiating the imaged object with electromagnetic radiation,
• first transducer elements detecting ultrasound waves generated in the object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation,
• second transducer elements emitting ultrasound waves towards the object and detecting ultrasound waves reflected and/or transmitted by the object, and
• a surface comprising at least one first surface segment, on which the first transducer elements are arranged, and at least one second surface segment, on which the second transducer elements are arranged,
• wherein the at least one first surface segment, on which the first transducer elements detecting ultrasound waves generated in the object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation are arranged, has a curved shape,
• wherein said first transducer elements, which detect ultrasound waves generated in the object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation, have a first size and a first pitch and said second transducer elements, which detect ultrasound waves reflected and/or transmitted by the object, have a second size and a second pitch, wherein the first pitch is different from the second pitch and/or the first size is different from the second size,
• wherein ultrasound waves generated, due to the optoacoustic effect, in response to an absorption of the electromagnetic radiation at the at least one first surface segment and/or at the at least one second surface segment are emitted towards the imaged object and, after reflection and/or transmission by the imaged object, are detected by the second transducer elements and
• wherein at least one absorbing element is provided between the imaged object and the first surface segment and/or the second surface segment, the absorbing element generating ultrasound waves in response to an absorption of the electromagnetic radiation.