High-resolution real-time ultrasound detection, allowing for the study of physiological processes at a molecular and cellular level. Capacity to separate signals of interest, including tissue contrast from extrinsically administered agents (fluorescent dyes, nanoparticles, etc), and oxy/deoxy hemoglobin. The instrument is equipped for high sensitivity from 680 to 980 nm in 1 nm increments with 100 ms temporal resolution. Images are captured through a tomographic array with a coverage angle of 270 degrees, enabling more accurate imaging of complex shapes than typical linear detection.