SignificanceIn the photoacoustic (PA) technique, the laser irradiation in the time domain (i.e., laser pulse duration) governs the characteristics of PA imaging—it plays a crucial role in the optical-acoustic interaction, the generation of PA signals, and the PA imaging performance. AimWe aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of laser pulse duration on various aspects of PA imaging, encompassing the signal-to-noise ratio, the spatial resolution of PA imaging, the acoustic frequency spectrum of the acoustic wave, the initiation of specific physical phenomena, and the photothermal–PA (PT-PA) interaction/conversion. ApproachBy surveying and reviewing the state-of-the-art investigations, we discuss the effects of laser pulse duration on the generation of PA signals in the context of biomedical PA imaging with respect to the aforementioned aspects. ResultsFirst, we discuss the impact of laser pulse duration on the PA signal amplitude and its correlation with the lateral resolution of PA imaging. Subsequently, the relationship between the axial resolution of PA imaging and the laser pulse duration is analyzed with consideration of the acoustic frequency spectrum. Furthermore, we examine the manipulation of the pulse duration to trigger physical phenomena and its relevant applications. In addition, we elaborate on the tuning of the pulse duration to manipulate the conversion process and ratio from the PT to PA effect. ConclusionsWe contribute to the understanding of the physical mechanisms governing pulse-width-dependent PA techniques. By gaining insight into the mechanism behind the influence of the laser pulse, we can trigger the pulse-with-dependent physical phenomena for specific PA applications, enhance PA imaging performance in biomedical imaging scenarios, and modulate PT-PA conversion by tuning the pulse duration precisely.
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