SC260, Biomedical Diagnostic Applications of Communications Technologies

Short course

Brett E. Bouma

Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition (OFC) (United States) and The Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) (United States)

updated 08/21/07 joined 08/07/07

Course Description: Biophotonics is rapidly emerging as a powerful, versatile and interdisciplinary new field at the interface between photonics and the biological sciences and clinical medicine. Biology and medicine readily adopt optical techniques because light provides unique capabilities and fresh insights into how molecules, cells and tissue act in their natural states. Light also provides selective methods for effecting, manipulating and ablating biological molecules and cells with minimal perturbation to surrounding tissues. It was not until recently, however, that a critical mass of technologies, primarily from the optical telecommunications sector, enabled the widespread application of optical principles and methods in biomedicine. A main focus of this course is to provide an introduction to biophotonics for optical engineers and scientists with the hope of fostering a greater awareness of the need for advanced photonics in biology and medicine. Several current topics in biophotonics will be reviewed as examples of how photonic technologies are transforming basic biological research and clinical medicine. Each topic will emphasize the relevant technological requirements and will identify capabilities and challenges that require further photonic innovation and adaptation. Specific topics will include: photochemistry and photobiology, biomedical imaging, optical diagnostics, and photodynamic therapy.

http://www.ofcnfoec.org/conference_program/Short_Course/SC_260.aspx