An optical and optoacoustics platform for laser therapeutics

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Biomedical optics is a rapidly advancing area of research at the intersection of physics, engineering and biology that deals with the interaction of light with living systems. Optical interrogation technologies such as near-infrared radiance spectroscopy and optoacoustic imaging offer the potential for detecting tissue changes at the microstructural, biochemical and molecular levels. Research in this area is driven by the attractiveness of minimally invasive or non-invasive technologies that do not involve exposing people to ionizing radiation. The overall goal of the proposed NSERC research program is to deliver a suite of novel optical tools for optical therapeutic applications. Specifically 1) to further develop point radiance spectroscopy methods for tissue characterization; 2) to further develop optical based guiding and monitoring strategies for laser therapeutics and 3) to better understand optoacoustic contrast mechanisms in order to develop optoacoustic imaging techniques that can detect and quantify tissue response to laser therapeutics.It is anticipated that point radiance spectroscopy and the optoacoustic imaging technologies being developed will provide for improved laser therapeutics, and hence may help to accelerate these technologies into clinical practice. It is expected that this research will contribute significantly to increased economic activity through the development of new cost-effective medical technologies, provide a comprehensive platform for training of students, help raise the global profile of Canadian medical science and technology, and yield a sustainable benefit to patients whose quality of life may be improved by quantitative development of minimally invasive laser therapies.