Open AccessLasers in Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research: Enabling Characteristics with Illustrative Examples
Author(s) -
Scott Alfano,
W. B. Wang,
S. K. Gayen
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
technology in cancer research and treatment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.754
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1533-0346
pISSN - 1533-0338
DOI - 10.1177/153303460500400611
Subject(s) - cancer detection , laser , brightness , salient , optics , wavelength , computer science , optoelectronics , materials science , bandwidth (computing) , cancer , medical physics , nanotechnology , medicine , physics , artificial intelligence , telecommunications
The salient properties of laser light and the way light interacts with biological tissues and molecular constituents of tissues offer possibilities for detection and diagnosis of cancer. In particular, the wavelength selectivity of tunable lasers, narrow bandwidth around the selected wavelength, and spectral brightness enable probing of key molecular constituents of tissues, and endow laser-based techniques with much desired diagnostic potential. This article presents an overview of some recent developments in optical imaging and optical biopsy of different types of cancers, and illustrates the diagnostic role of the color of light.