Book excerpt: The concept of photoacoustic tomography (PAT) emerged in the mid-1990s, and the field of PAT is now rapidly moving forward. Presenting the research of a well-respected pioneer and leading expert, Photoacoustic Tomography is a first-of-its-kind book covering the underlying principles and practical applications of PAT in a systematic manner. Written in a tutorial format, the text: Addresses the fundamentals of PAT, the theory on photoacoustic effect, image reconstruction methods, and instrumentation Details advanced methods for quantitative PAT, which allow the recovery of tissue optical absorption coefficient and/or acoustic properties Explores the development of several image-enhancing schemes, including both software and hardware approaches Examines array-based PAT systems that are the foundation for the realization of 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D PAT Discusses photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and combinations of PAT/PAM with other imaging methods Considers contrast-agents-based molecular PAT, with both nontargeted and cell receptor–targeted methods Describes clinical applications and animal studies in breast cancer detection, osteoarthritis diagnosis, seizure localization, intravascular imaging, and image-guided cancer therapy Photoacoustic Tomography is an essential reference for graduate students, researchers, industry professionals, and those who wish to enter this exciting field.