Multispectral light sensor set to improve medical imaging
1 min read
Researchers from the University of Surrey have created a multispectral light sensor that can detect the full spectrum of light, from UV to visible and near infrared.
The development is expected to pave the way towards more accurate, lower cost medical and security imaging.
"Until now, specialist light sensors have been limited in the kinds of light they can detect, with multiple sensors required to measure different ranges of the light spectrum, significantly increasing cost," said lead researcher Dr Richard Curry.
"This new technology could allow surgeons to 'see' inside tissue to find tumours prior to surgery as well as equip consumer products, such as cameras and mobile phones, with night imaging options."
The sensors are highly flexible and can be produced cheaply, using the same laser printers found in homes and offices.
"We think they could be useful for capturing quality pictures in the dark, and may eventually enable parents to simply monitor a child's blood or tissue oxygenation level via a smartphone camera which could be linked to healthcare professionals," Dr Curry concluded.
