This project involves the development of a novel spectroscopic technique and fiber optic probe system for the real-time (i.e., millisecond), sub-surface differentiation of healthy and malignant tissues based on optical absorption by endogenous chromophores.
This work involves multi-photon excitation of the tissue for highly localized (approximately 1 micrometer) monitoring and ultrasonic detection of the absorption event. This technique has been demonstrated to be capable of providing high resolution margining of astrocytomas from surrounding healthy brain tissues. In addition, development of a miniature fiber optic probe with a thin film piezoelectric detector that can potentially be used for surgical guidance during tumor excision has been developed with funding from MD TEDCO