Infrared Imaging for Functional Monitoring of Disease Processes

Noninvasive imaging techniques are emerging into the forefront of medical diagnostics and treatment monitoring. Both near-infrared imaging (NIR) and mid-infrared imaging techniques have provided invaluable information in the clinical setting. Most in vivo biomedical applications of functional imaging use light in the NIR spectrum. The main advantage of the interaction of NIR light with tissue is increased penetration: light with wavelengths between 700 and 1100 nm passes through skin and other tissues better than visible light does.