Compact and ultracompact spectral imagers: technology and applications in biomedical imaging

Minh H. Tran; Baowei Fei

doi:10.1117/1.JBO.28.4.040901

6 April 2023 Compact and ultracompact spectral imagers: technology and applications in biomedical imaging

Minh H. Tran, Baowei Fei

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Biomedical Optics, Vol. 28, Issue 4, 040901 (April 2023). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.28.4.040901

Abstract

Significance

Spectral imaging, which includes hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, can provide images in numerous wavelength bands within and beyond the visible light spectrum. Emerging technologies that enable compact, portable spectral imaging cameras can facilitate new applications in biomedical imaging.

Aim

With this review paper, researchers will (1) understand the technological trends of upcoming spectral cameras, (2) understand new specific applications that portable spectral imaging unlocked, and (3) evaluate proper spectral imaging systems for their specific applications.

Approach

We performed a comprehensive literature review in three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science). We included only fully realized systems with definable dimensions. To best accommodate many different definitions of “compact,” we included a table of dimensions and weights for systems that met our definition.

Results

There is a wide variety of contributions from industry, academic, and hobbyist spaces. A variety of new engineering approaches, such as Fabry–Perot interferometers, spectrally resolved detector array (mosaic array), microelectro-mechanical systems, 3D printing, light-emitting diodes, and smartphones, were used in the construction of compact spectral imaging cameras. In bioimaging applications, these compact devices were used for in vivo and ex vivo diagnosis and surgical settings.

Conclusions

Compact and ultracompact spectral imagers are the future of spectral imaging systems. Researchers in the bioimaging fields are building systems that are low-cost, fast in acquisition time, and mobile enough to be handheld.

CC BY: © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

Citation Download Citation

Minh H. Tran and Baowei Fei "Compact and ultracompact spectral imagers: technology and applications in biomedical imaging," Journal of Biomedical Optics 28(4), 040901 (6 April 2023). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.28.4.040901

Received: 18 October 2022; Accepted: 28 February 2023; Published: 6 April 2023

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

JOURNAL ARTICLE
50 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY