UV-Visible-NIR Image Sensor for Labeled and Label-free Intra-operative Imaging with Human Clinical Validation

We present a single-chip imaging sensor capable of simultaneous ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near-infrared (NIR) imaging. The system integrates a checkerboard-patterned multispectral pixelated filter array with a three-layer stacked photodiode architecture, achieving six distinct spectral bands. Each photodiode layer is optimized for specific wavelengths, leveraging the wavelength-dependent absorption properties of silicon. With a power consumption of 250 mW and nearly 100% transmission in both UV and NIR spectra, the platform is optimized for intraoperative use without disrupting the surgical workflow. Clinical data from 33 patients with breast cancer demonstrated a positive predictive value of 100% for detecting primary tumors based on UV autofluorescence. These results highlight the platform’s potential for enhancing cancer detection in real-time surgical settings.