Optical Radar Detection of Precancerous Bronchial Tissue

Abstract

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Previous measurement of laser-induced fluorescence in bronchus tissue is simulated using an electromagnetic (EM) scattering model. The EM parameters derived indicate that the changes in the thickness of the epithelium associated with carcinoma in situ can be detected using an optical radar process, providing an early detection of cancer. Further simulation using the EM model indicates various practical methods of measuring the thickness, including frequency modulated continuous wave optical radar, multilaser continuous wave radar and low coherence interferometry. Initial optical experiments and calculations have demonstrated which of the methods is likely to lead to the development of an endoscopic instrument. The availability of suitable optical components is a major consideration. Some early interferometry results indicate that a resolution of at least 40 µm and a signal to noise of up to 45 dB can be readily reached for histological imaging.