Photoacoustic and optical microscopy combiner and method of generating a photoacoustic image of a sample

A photoacoustic and optical microscopy combiner, the combiner configured to support an ultrasound transducer defining an axis, the photoacoustic and optical microscopy combiner comprising:

• a transparent support member,
• a body coupled to the transparent support member and including a base, an opening, and a first reservoir created by the opening and the transparent support member, a second reservoir positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and an angled wall defining an angled surface, the angled surface oriented at a 45-degree angle relative to the base and the axis of the transducer;
• and
• a glass member positionable within the body and at least partially supported by the angled surface and at least partially within the opening, the glass member including a face that is oriented parallel to the angled surface,
• wherein the body is configured to support a sample slide such that the sample slide is at least partially over the opening and positioned between an output of a laser and the glass member, and
• wherein the sample slide is positioned such that a sample on the sample slide is configured to receive light from the output of the laser and redirect acoustic waves to the ultrasound transducer to generate a real-time image of a sample, and
• wherein the body is configured to receive water in the first reservoir and the second reservoir at a depth sufficient to submerge the glass member.