Fluorescence spectroscopy in tissue for identification and temperature control of embedded lesions

Abstract: Fluorescence spectroscopy in two different biomedical applications have been studied. One field has been to explore whether fluorescence spectroscopy can be used to determine the depth of a fluorescent object inside a tissue-like medium. Recorded fluorescence spectra depend on the localisation of the fluorescent inclusion and may provide additional information for optical tomography. The second main project has involved temperature measurements, based on the fact that specific crystals change their fluorescence spectrum when the temperature is altered. This technique could be applied during interstitial photodynamic therapy of malignant tumours, by attaching crystals to the fibre tips inserted into the tumour during treatment. The temperature is an important parameter for treatment outcome and any bleeding at the fibre tip could also be detected, which could reduce the treatment efficiency.