Multi-spectral analysis of animal tissues in the second NIR window based on endogenous chromophores

摘要

To minimize the problem with scattering in deep tissues while increasing the penetration depth, we explored the feasibility of imaging in the previously unexplored extended NIR (exNIR) spectral region at 900 - 1400 nm with endogenous chromophores. This region, also known as second NIR window, is weakly dominated by absorption of water and lipids and free from other endogenous chromophores, with virtually no autofluorescence. To demonstrate the applicability of the exNIR in bioimaging, we analyzed optical properties of individual components and animal organs using InGaAs spectrophotometer and a multispectral InGaAs scanning imager featuring in transmission geometry.