Photothermal infrared spectroscopy : applications to medicine

The nondestructive depth profiling capability of photoacoustic spectroscopy is being exploited in the characterization of the infrared spectra of tissue biopsy samples. In this paper, the versatility of the technique is demonstrated. Brain tissues are depth profiled to establish the extent of the effects of solvent delipidation on the samples. The same technique can be applied to calcified tissues, bone, and teeth. As an example, a human tooth is depth profiled using photoacoustic spectroscopy. The mid-infrared depth profile of the tooth provides information on the integrity of the enamel and general health of the outer portions of the tooth.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye