Broad Spectrum Optical Property Characterization

ABSTRACT: The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of a flexible, low-cost, integrated and sensitive broad spectrum optical property characterization system. We propose a hyperspectral imager designed for operation in the 300nm 2000nm spectral region with state-of-the-art spectral and spatial resolution through the use of a high density array of high finesse (F = 1000) tunable microcavity filters. The system combines a high performance-cost ratio, rugged design for field use, compact, light and flexible design for a wide variety of broad spectrum optical property characterization measurements. The system will be capable of many different measurement geometries including multiplexed confocal detection, surface contact detection and analyzing the absorption spectra of liquids and gases. Additionally, the system will be highly miniaturized, allowing spectral and spatial data collection and imaging in difficult to reach locations, e.g. endoscope applications.; BENEFIT: Cancer of the skin is the most common type of cancer in the US, with more than one million Americans diagnosed every year. Melanoma is responsible for approximately 75% of all deaths from skin cancer; it is also the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. and worldwide, its incidence increasing 20-fold since 1935, to 1 in 74 people in 2000. The American Cancer Society projects over 10,000 deaths annually from skin cancer. Early detection remains the only effective means of fighting melanoma, but at present dermatologists rely primarily on visual examinations of patients to identify suspicious skin tissues. Unfortunately, melanomas can mimic benign lesions that are overwhelmingly more common, and misdiagnosis of melanoma can occur with deadly consequences. Decision making in minimally invasive surgery currently relies on the (subjective) assessment of tissue health by the surgeon (in real time) and a pathologist (off-line). This process needs to be accelerated and made more reliable for better patient health outcomes. Early detection (+ excision) of the Melanoma is the only effective treatment (survival decreases 20-fold and treatment costs increase 100-fold from earliest to latest stage). Misdiagnosis is a leading malpractice suit reason (13% of all malpractice claims, ~$1M per award). The diagnostic market alone is estimated at over $2 billion. The early screening market is estimated at more $3 billion. It is clear from these numbers that there is a viable market and indeed huge demand for a highly effective early diagnostic tool such as our Liquid Crystal Tunable Arrayed Microcavity (LCAM) technology. The LCAM technology has multiple applications, end-user markets, and potential revenue streams. We anticipate a wide variety of customers for LCAM including Medical research centers, University Biomedical Engineering departments and independent cancer research centers. Applications for LCAM technology will also extend to studying wound healing, chemical detection in gases and liquids and many other basic laboratory spectroscopy applications (Raman, fluorescence and confocal imaging) all in a highly miniaturized, rugged package.