In this paper the feasibility of optical-resolution photoacoustic micro-endoscopy (OR-PAME) using image guide fibers and a unique fiber laser system is demonstrated. The image guide consists of 30,000 individual fibers in a bundle 800 μm in diameter and the diode-pumped, pulsed Ytterbium fiber laser can provide repetition rates up to 600 kHz. Phantom studies indicate 7+/-2 μm resolution. The compact, flexible nature of the image guide and the small footprint of the apparatus make it ideal for photoacoustic micro-endoscopy, as well as increasing the usability of OR-PAM for potential clinical applications.© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.