Random Lasing for Bimodal Imaging and Detection of Tumor

Abstract

The interaction of light with biological tissues is an intriguing area of research that has led to the development of numerous techniques and technologies. The randomness inherent in biological tissues can trap light through multiple scattering events and provide optical feedback to generate random lasing emission. The emerging random lasing signals carry sensitive information about the scattering dynamics of the medium, which can help in identifying abnormalities in tissues, while simultaneously functioning as an illumination source for imaging. The early detection and imaging of tumor regions are crucial for the successful treatment of cancer, which is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. In this paper, a bimodal spectroscopic and imaging system, capable of identifying and imaging tumor polyps as small as 1 mm2, is proposed and illustrated using a phantom sample for the early diagnosis of tumor growth. The far-field imaging capabilities of the developed system can enable non-contact in vivo inspections. The integration of random lasing principles with sensing and imaging modalities has the potential to provide an efficient, minimally invasive, and cost-effective means of early detection and treatment of various diseases, including cancer.