Handheld device and method for tomographic optoacoustic imaging of an object

A handheld device for optoacoustic imaging of an object, the handheld device comprising:

• an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a region on or within the object with electromagnetic radiation;
• a detector unit configured to detect acoustic waves generated in the object upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, the detector unit comprising an array of at least 128 detector elements and a curved surface forming a recess,
• wherein the irradiation unit is disposed in the recess,
• wherein the array of detector elements is arranged in a line along an arc on the curved surface, and
• wherein the detector elements are arranged in the recess such that the surface normals of at least a part of the detector elements are directed to a region of interest of the object and intersect at an intersection point located in the region of interest;
• wherein the irradiation unit is designed such that the irradiated region on or within the object coincides or overlaps with the intersection point of the surface normals of the detector elements;
• and
• a cover element that seals the curved surface on which the array of detector elements is provided such that the curved surface together with the cover element form a closed cavity that accommodates a coupling medium.