Identification of the Human Bronchial Tissues by the Spectroscopic Image Analysis

Autofluorescence (AF) measurement of human bronchus tissues are practically used for the detection of early stage lung cancers. Problems associated with the interference between the excitation light and the AF signal and the lack of the precise analysis of the AF characteristics limit the capability of the technique. In this study, we used a ultraviolet laser diode (UV-LD) and a ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED) as the alternative light source for the AF measurement. An AF analysis system that can analyze the spectroscopic data of about 5mm × 5mm with a spatial resolution of about 10 micro meters were established. The AF spectrum was measured for 512 × 512 pixels and the intensity mapping as a function of a certain emission wavelength was obtained. The numerical calculation of the data (including differential imaging and the chromaticity diagram projection) was performed and the precise feature of the AF was revealed.