Raman and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

 This article explores a tandem approach to spectroscopy that integrates Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy—can be a one-laser tag-team match, but it can also be done through data fusion with separate analytical instrumentation and several related strategies in between. In the first setup, a Nd:YAG laser (commonly operating at 532?nm) is ingeniously adapted to first deliver a high-energy pulse to create a tiny plasma for LIBS, revealing the elemental makeup of the sample. Then, either through energy modulation or beam splitting with precise timing, the same laser provides a gentler touch to excite Raman scattering, capturing the molecular fingerprint of the material.

 Complementary detection systems are employed: a fast, broadband detector (like a gated ICCD) picks up the brief but brilliant LIBS emission, while a high-resolution spectrograph with a cooled CCD zeroes in on the subtle vibrational features in the Raman spectrum. This dual-use strategy not only streamlines the instrumentation but also offers practical benefits for field and space exploration, proving that sometimes, one laser really can do double duty—with a little creativity and some well-timed pulses. When co-located Raman and LIBS spots are not needed – i.e. the sample is homogeneous - a similar approach is available through data fusion This article explores the use of Raman and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) data in tandem. These two laser-derived analyses are naturally complimentary: Raman collects information about the molecular bonds within a sample, and LIBS provides an elemental analysis. There are a wide array of potential approaches to this combination, but all of them have in common that the same sample volume is interrogated and that because of the destructive nature of the LIBS analysis, the Raman measurement comes first. This article will explore the two chief ways that these analyses are combined: with two lasers on the same optical path, and two separated detection methods, and then the more complicated case where the same laser and spectrometers are employed. The mechanically simpler data fusion method is also discussed. The principal targets for these tandem analyses in the literature are geological and materials science, but a notable biomedical analysis are included. The reviewed applications are described in some detail, with emphasis LIBS and Raman together giving a very high rate of correct classification of samples from melanoma tissues to mineral type."

NIR Spectroscopy

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect one in three people with diabetes mellitus, with over 10% of the cases resulting in amputations. Despite being subjective, visual assessment is the gold standard used by clinicians to monitor the healing progression of wounds. Current smartphone technologies for wound care are limited to 2D/3D wound image analysis for size/depth. We developed a smartphone-based near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) imaging approach or SmartPhone Oxygenation Tool (SPOT) to obtain visual and physiological measurements of tissue oxygenation in wounds. Oxygen supply to wounds is a vital factor for healing. Tissue oxygenation measurements provide a sub-clinical physiological assessment to complement clinical visual assessment. SPOT was validated via phantom and in-vivo imaging studies, and it could differentiate high-risk from low-risk DFUs with 100% sensitivity and 84% specificity. Clinical studies on DFUs also demonstrated the ability of SPOT to be used as an image-guided debridement tool, apart from assessing the healing potential of the wounds. Currently, studies are ongoing to account for skin color variations (from melanin concentrations) and tissue curvatures of the diabetic foot during NIRS imaging using SPOT.

Hyperspectral Imaging

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) holds much promise as it matures into an affordable technology. The fusion of photographic/imaging methods that spatially resolve the distribution of light energy passing through an opening with methods that spectrally resolve it will augment human perception by orders of magnitude. HSI will also increase data generation, transmission, processing, and storage requirements by orders of magnitude, while effectively reducing photonic throughput. These constraints will affect the usability of photonic instruments in challenging use-cases such as those encountered in emergency medicine. In this article, I discuss why the application of spectral imaging to real-world problems may need to incorporate, at least in the near future, adaptations found in animal visual systems to optimally balance speed/latency, detail/resolution, and bandwidth/processing power.

Fluorescence Microscopy and Microfluidics

The integration of fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics with a high-resolution and very wide field of view in a single system has revolutionized biological research by combining high-resolution imaging with precise environmental control in a compact, cost-effective platform. This innovative system enables researchers to explore intricate biological processes in greater detail, driving significant discoveries across fields such as molecular biology, neuroscience, and cell biology. By offering a broad field of view alongside high resolution, the combined system captures extensive data in a single recording - eliminating the need for multiple acquisitions or image stitching. Its applications, including neurosettes, C. elegans studies, and the Mother Machine, demonstrate its capacity for high-throughput experiments, allowing simultaneous monitoring of hundreds of cells with fine detail. With an intuitive interface, modular light design, and integrated microfluidic pumps, the system makes advanced experimentation more accessible, unlocking new possibilities for biological research.

Advancements of Quantum Sensing

Superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) have long been used to measure the weak magnetic fields produced by the human body, including magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Though SQUIDs are commonly used in research, they have restricted value for medical diagnostics due to the need for cooling, shielded rooms, and specialized electronics. In recent years, new types of optically-probed quantum sensors have emerged that provide similar performance to SQUIDs, but with fewer practical restrictions, opening up wide-ranging opportunities in biology and medicine. However, there are gaps within the quantum ecosystem to fuel these advances, including technical, funding, and commercialization challenges. This article outlines the promise of optically-probed quantum sensors for biomagnetism research and medical diagnostics, and efforts to commercialize these sensors.

Bio Photonics Research Award

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