Semi-compact photoacoustic devices and systems

An apparatus, comprising:

• a platen;
• a light source system configured for providing light to a target object on an outer surface of the platen;
• and
• an ultrasonic receiver system configured to receive ultrasonic waves generated by the target object, responsive to the light from the light source system provided to the target object, wherein the platen includes a first cone-shaped platen portion configured for transmitting the light from the light source system to the outer surface of the platen along a first axis corresponding with the first platen portion and a second cone-shaped platen portion configured for transmitting the ultrasonic waves generated by the target object along a second axis corresponding with the second platen portion, the first platen portion being connected to the second platen portion, a first surface of first platen portion being proximate the light source system, the first surface of first platen portion being offset from a second surface of the second platen portion proximate the ultrasonic receiver system by an angle between the first axis and the second axis.