The 785nm laser, as the core light source for handheld Raman spectrometers, offers superior sensitivity, fluorescence suppression, and eye safety. Compared to 532nm and 1064nm lasers, this wavelength optimally balances fluorescence reduction and signal intensity, enabling on-site rapid detection of drugs, explosives, etc. Advances in semiconductor laser technology ensure portability with lab-grade accuracy, while AI integration enhances performance, demonstrating broad potential in public safety and pharmaceutical quality control.

Microchip lasers, with their sub-nanosecond pulses, high energy density, and wavelength tunability, serve as an ideal excitation source for photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Their ultrashort pulse width meets thermal/stress confinement requirements, enabling micron-scale resolution and centimeter-level penetration depth. Breakthrough applications include tumor angiogenesis imaging, blood oxygen monitoring, and breast cancer diagnosis. Additionally, their non-contact detection capability offers unique advantages for clinical use in ophthalmology and neurology. As laser technology advances, microchip lasers will further drive the miniaturization and clinical adoption of PAI systems.

This paper systematically elaborates on the innovative applications of laser technology in photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. It highlights RealLight's sub-nanosecond microchip laser, which demonstrates unique advantages in biomedical imaging and materials science due to its excellent pulse stability (microjoule-level) and multi-wavelength output capabilities (532nm-213nm). In photoacoustic imaging, it enables non-invasive, high-resolution tissue imaging, while in fluorescence imaging, it serves as a reliable light source for two-photon microscopy. Research shows that such compact lasers not only advance imaging technologies but also play crucial roles in neuroscience research, drug delivery monitoring, and material defect detection, demonstrating broad potential for interdisciplinary applications.

Pulsed lasers serve as the core light source for photoacoustic imaging (PAI), enabling high-resolution and high-contrast biological tissue imaging due to their high peak power and ultrashort pulse characteristics. This article reviews the evolution of the photoacoustic effect from Bell's era to modern laser technology, with a focus on the advantages of pulsed lasers (e.g., Nd:YAG and microchip lasers) in vascular imaging, tumor detection, and brain science research. Studies show that the nanosecond-level short pulses and compact design of microchip lasers make portable PAI devices feasible. In the future, with advancements in laser technology and algorithms, the clinical applications of pulsed lasers in PAI will expand further.

Lasers are the core component of photoacoustic imaging (PAI), directly determining image quality. This article examines the operational principles of lasers in PAI, compares traditional nanosecond lasers (e.g., Nd:YAG/OPO) with modern compact lasers (e.g., RealLight’s MCA/MCC series), and analyzes how wavelength selection balances resolution and penetration depth. The study highlights that advancements in laser miniaturization and high repetition rates will further expand PAI’s applications in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research.

Narrow-linewidth lasers significantly enhance Raman spectroscopy by providing high spectral purity, wavelength stability, and sufficient power, improving measurement accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio. These lasers enable high-resolution spectral analysis in biomedical diagnostics (e.g., cancer detection), pharmaceutical quality control, and material science. They are particularly valuable for low-wavenumber Raman measurements and high-resolution imaging, such as cellular and molecular mapping. With their ability to reduce background noise and support precise wavelength control, narrow-linewidth lasers expand Raman spectroscopy’s applications in research and industry. As technology advances, their adoption is expected to grow, driving innovations in scientific and medical diagnostics.