OPTOACOUSTIC PROBE

An optoacoustic probe for optoacoustic imaging of a volume, the optoacoustic probe having a distal end operable to contact the volume and a proximal end. The optoacoustic probe includes at least one primary light source and an auxiliary light source that is configured to generate auxiliary light carried through an optical window to a volume. A detection device is configured to detect signals generated from the auxiliary light or primary light reflecting from the volume or the optical window. A microcontroller including one or more processors is also provided, that receives the signals generated from the auxiliary light reflecting from the volume from the detection device, determines contact between the volume and the optoacoustic probe based on the auxiliary light reflecting from the volume, and prevents the at least one primary light source from generating light until the optoacoustic probe is contacting the volume.