Recently there has been an explosion of interest in the application of optical spectroscopic methods for the measurement of biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and bio-inorganic species present in the tissues and cells. This symposium will explore recent developments and applications of vibrational spectroscopies for biochemical, biomedical, and clinical analysis and imaging, with a focus on non- or minimally invasive methodologies. A variety of experimental techniques will be represented including infrared absorption, spontaneous and non-linear Raman methods (stimulated Raman and CARS), terahertz spectroscopy, laser tomography, and fibre-sensors. The symposium will highlight both the range of applications being currently explored as well as the new instrumental approaches. Highlights of the symposium will include non-destructive, label-free chemical imaging of cells and tissues, the use of vibrational spectroscopy for disease (e.g. cancer) diagnosis, and subsurface Raman mapping and diffuse tomography for imaging. |
