Near-infrared (NIR) light allows for deep penetration and minimal absorption through the biological NIR optical window of tissues. Certain NIR wavelengths and sources have been traditionally used for various body imaging and disease (such as cancer) diagnosis through the NIR optical windows between 650 to 1750 nm. However, such applications have historically required the use of multiple and expensive infrared sources.
Longer NIR wavelengths, in particular, have been overlooked due to the presence of strong water absorption peaks and a lack of low-cost short-wave infrared (SWIR) detectors. Therefore, most studies have been limited to the first NIR biological window that extends from about 600 to 900nm using conventional CCD or CMOS detectors.
Using proprietary phosphor technology, we can help extend biological research and imaging into the second and third NIR spectral windows, at relatively low cost compared to alternative approaches. We can also build low-cost and compact/miniature LED or laser-based devices capable of delivering NIR emission lines that can cover all three biological optical windows.
A single laser-based device capable of covering all three optical windows of biological tissues