About this Research Topic
Diffusive optical imaging technique (DOT) is a rapidly evolving field that aims to exploit the interaction of near-infrared light with biological tissues to reveal their optical and physiological properties. This research area addresses the need for non-invasive, cost-effective, and portable imaging solutions in medical diagnostics. Current challenges in the field include the high degree of light scattering, the ill-posedness of the inverse problem, and the limited spatial resolution and penetration depth. Recent studies have shown promising advancements in structured light strategies, temporal modulation techniques, and molecular imaging approaches. However, there remains a significant gap in translating these innovations into clinical practice, necessitating further investigation into optimizing these techniques and overcoming existing limitations.
This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art and future directions of diffusive optics for medical imaging. The main objectives include exploring the theoretical and experimental aspects of DOT, evaluating its clinical applications, and addressing the challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. Key research questions include improvements in structured light and temporal modulation for superior resolution and contrast and finding optimal molecular imaging strategies for precise biomarker identification. Furthermore, it aims to broaden the clinical effectiveness and utility of DOT frameworks.
The scope of this Research Topic is to present the latest developments and innovations of diffusive optics applications in medical imaging. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Structured light strategies, such as spatial frequency-domain imaging, tomography, and single-pixel imaging, which aim to control light propagation and enhance contrast and resolution.- Temporal modulation techniques, such as time-resolved, frequency-domain, and phase-modulated imaging, which exploit the temporal dynamics of light diffusion and enable the extraction of absolute optical parameters and chromophore concentrations.
• Molecular imaging approaches, such as fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, which use exogenous or endogenous contrast agents to target specific molecular pathways and biomarkers.
• Clinical applications, such as breast cancer detection, brain function monitoring, wound healing assessment, and tissue oxygenation measurement, which demonstrate the potential and limitations of diffusive optics in various medical scenarios.
This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art and future directions of diffusive optics for medical imaging. The main objectives include exploring the theoretical and experimental aspects of DOT, evaluating its clinical applications, and addressing the challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. Key research questions include improvements in structured light and temporal modulation for superior resolution and contrast and finding optimal molecular imaging strategies for precise biomarker identification. Furthermore, it aims to broaden the clinical effectiveness and utility of DOT frameworks.
The scope of this Research Topic is to present the latest developments and innovations of diffusive optics applications in medical imaging. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Structured light strategies, such as spatial frequency-domain imaging, tomography, and single-pixel imaging, which aim to control light propagation and enhance contrast and resolution.- Temporal modulation techniques, such as time-resolved, frequency-domain, and phase-modulated imaging, which exploit the temporal dynamics of light diffusion and enable the extraction of absolute optical parameters and chromophore concentrations.
• Molecular imaging approaches, such as fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, which use exogenous or endogenous contrast agents to target specific molecular pathways and biomarkers.
• Clinical applications, such as breast cancer detection, brain function monitoring, wound healing assessment, and tissue oxygenation measurement, which demonstrate the potential and limitations of diffusive optics in various medical scenarios.
Keywords: Diffusive Optical Imaging Technique (DOT), Near-infrared Light Interaction, Molecular Imaging, Temporal Modulation Techniques, Clinical Applications
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
