ABSTRACT

Optical imaging has a number of attractive general characteristics. It does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, so the safety concerns for patients and practitioners associated with x-ray and nuclear imaging are not present. As will be explained in more detail in this chapter, optical imaging can provide highly sensitive detection of wide-ranging contrast. For example, the oxygenation states of hemoglobin can be separately identified because oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin absorb light differently. Fluorescence gives optical

imaging a vast toolbox for monitoring biological processes through fluorescent proteins, agents, and cell labeling. The use of multiple wavelengths of light allows visualization of several different channels, or colors, simultaneously. Another key reason for the widespread use of optical imaging seen in biological research laboratories today is the relative convenience and simplicity of many optical imaging systems, which are often little more than boxes containing lights and cameras. Naturally, such devices often cost significantly less than other modalities.