Broadband (600–1350 nm) Time-Resolved Diffuse Optical Spectrometer for Clinical Use

We report on the design, development, and performance assessment of a portable time-resolved system measuring absorption and scattering spectra of highly diffusive media over the 600-1350 nm range. In view of clinical use, two strategies were implemented; the first one equips the system with high responsivity in key tissue absorbing regions, whereas the second one makes the system immune to time drift. The MEDPHOT protocol was used for the performance assessment of the instrument. Finally, the system was enrolled into its first in vivo trial phase, measuring the broadband absorption and scattering spectra of human manubrium, abdomen fat tissues, and forehead for the in vivo quantification of key tissue constituents.