Laser-based mid-infrared reflectance imaging of biological tissues

Bujin Guo, Y. Wang, C. Peng, H. L. Zhang, G. P. Luo, H. Q. Le, C. Gmachl, D. L. Sivco, M. L. Peabody, A. Y. Cho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

134 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mid-infrared (MIR) (3-12 um) spectral imaging is a power analytical tool, but difficult in the back-reflectance mode for in-vivo diagnostics. Feasibility of MIR back-reflectance imaging is demonstrated using MIR semiconductor lasers. Transmittance through 500-μm thick films of water and blood showed a capability to resolve more than 6-OD signal dynamic range. Reflectance scanning imaging through a 150-μm thick film of blood showed negligible scattering effect, indicating the feasibility of optical coherent imaging. The result of coherent imaging of a plant leaf shows a MIR sub-surface image that would not be visible in white light. With two wavelengths, a similar result for a chicken skin subcutaneous tissue at different focal depths was obtained, showing blood vessels beneath a lipid layer. These results suggest that advanced multilaser wavelength systems in the fingerprint spectral region can be a useful tool for in-vivo spectral imaging in biomedical research and diagnostic applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)208-219
Number of pages12
JournalOptics Express
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2004
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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