Temperature monitoring is extremely important during thermotherapy. Fiber-optic temperature sensors are preferred because of their flexibility and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Although many types of fiberoptic sensors have been developed, clinically adopting them remains challenging. Here, we report a silica fiber-based radiometric thermometer using a lowcost extended InGaAs detector to detect black body radiation between 1.7 and 2.4 μm. For the first time, this silica fiberbased thermometer is capable of measuring temperatures down to 35 C, making it suitable for monitoring hyperthermia during surgery. In particular, the thermometer has potential for seamless integration with current silica fiber catheters, which are widely used in laser interstitial thermotherapy. The feasibility, capability and sensitivity of tracking tissue temperature variation were proved through ex vivo tissue studies. After further improvement, the technology has the potential to be translated into clinics for monitoring tissue temperature.
K E Y W O R D Sblack body radiation, hyperthermia, laser interstitial thermotherapy, silica fiber, thermotherapy
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