Development of an alternative light source to lasers for biomedical applications

Colin Whitehurst; James V. Moore

doi:10.1117/12.229529

8 January 1996 Development of an alternative light source to lasers for biomedical applications

Colin Whitehurst, James V. Moore

Proceedings Volume 2629, Biomedical Optoelectronics in Clinical Chemistry and Biotechnology; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229529
Event: BiOS Europe '95, 1995, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Advances in short arc technology and improvements in optical filters have led to the construction and biomedical testing of a portable non-laser light source with the optobiological props of a laser. The low-cost device delivers 1.5 W directly or 1 W via a 4 mm flexible light guide within a rectangular 30 nm bandwidth. Its output can be rapidly centered on any wavelength from 300 nm to 1200 nm. Beam uniformity is plus or minus 2% for tested diameters of 50 mm. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of this prototype was very similar to a photodynamic therapy (PDT) laser system (87 plus or minus 3%, p less than 0.05 in vitro and with minor modifications no significant difference in vivo p equals 0.62) and dermatological trials show it to be an advance over current clinical treatment for Bowen's disease. The prototype is being further developed with monofilament fiber delivery for interstitial biomedical applications. Its portability and spectral versatility make the device more suitable than a laser for a range of phototherapy treatments. These include the IR for photocoagulation and hyperthermia, the visible region for PDT and fluorescence diagnostics, and UV for dermal photosensitivity tests.

Citation Download Citation

Colin Whitehurst and James V. Moore "Development of an alternative light source to lasers for biomedical applications", Proc. SPIE 2629, Biomedical Optoelectronics in Clinical Chemistry and Biotechnology, (8 January 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229529

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