How does it work?
Biological tissue is placed under eight light beams emitting at eight different wavelengths in the mid-infrared range (from 5 to 10 microns). These wavelengths
correspond to molecular bonds that are useful to diagnose cancer. Lens-free transmission imaging, combined with machine learning tools, will then determine the possible presence of a tumor. The whole process is carried out using the same instrument..
Advantages?
Tissue analysis is currently carried out by using several pieces of equipment. With multispectral infrared imaging, these processes are brought together in a single instrument with a wide field of vision. In addition, this approach does not require sample preparation, chemical markers, dyes or reagents. These are just a few of the factors that explain the spectacular improvement in speed offered by this technology.
In addition, this technology is based on off-the-shelf components (quantum cascade lasers, uncooled microbolometer imagers) and has been designed to merge easily with habitual hospital and laboratory routines. The cancer identification rate can exceed 90%.
Our research areas:
- Miniaturizing the lighting block
- Integration of broadband imagers with enhanced spatial resolution
- Over the long term: reflection imaging for the observation of thick tissues (over 100 microns), thanks in particular to the design of photonic circuits
Applications?
- Identification of cancer cells and pre-tumor regions
- Diagnosis of infectious diseases
- Pharmacological and biotechnological testing