Spectral Ratiometer and Video Map with Tunable Filter

We will develop portable, rapid display instruments based on acousto-optic tunable filterfluorescence spectroscopy and endoscopy to diagnose tumors. These instruments will measure thefluorescence spectral fingerprints for excited and emitting molecules, such as, tryptophan, collagen,elastin and NADH. This fiber optic based spectral instrument will measure the ratio of intensities at twopre-set wavelengths from tissue excited at a particular wavelength in order to determine whether thetargeted tissue is malignant or benign. The intensity ratio (I340nm/I440nm) is obtained for breast andGYN tissue samples excited at 300nm. A ratio above a certain threshold value indicates malignancy.The excitation wavelength can be selected according to the application. In current testing of breast andGYN tissue, sensitivity in cancer detection is 93% compared to pathology. This system yields moreinformation than conventional visual endoscopy. The spectral ratiometer will have an optic fiber probeto be inserted into the instrument channel of an endoscope fitted with a color CCD camera to takemeasurements point-by-point on the mucosa inside the human body. A spectral image map will bedisplayed via image intensifier, AOTF, and computer data acquisition and processing.