Revista de láseres, óptica y fotónica

Photonics in Medicine: Illuminating Breakthroughs in Healthcare

Abstract

Fumihiro Katayama*

Photonics, the science and technology of harnessing and manipulating light, has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of medicine. From diagnostics and imaging to therapies and surgeries, photonics has paved the way for numerous breakthroughs, revolutionizing healthcare practices. In this article, we explore the remarkable advancements in medical photonics and how it is illuminating new possibilities in the world of healthcare. Photonics has transformed medical imaging, providing physicians with non-invasive and high-resolution techniques to visualize internal structures and functions. Optical coherence tomography uses light waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of tissues, enabling early detection of diseases like glaucoma and retinal disorders. Diffuse optical imaging uses near-infrared light to measure changes in tissue oxygenation and blood flow, aiding in brain imaging and breast cancer detection.