PORTABLE LASER SPECTROFLUOROMETER SYSTEM FOR IN-VIVO HUMAN TISSUE FLUORESCENCE STUDIES

A compact, portable spectrofluorimeter which measures broad-band fluorophores with high sensitivity is described. This instrument is specifically designed for acquisition of human tissue autofluorescence spectra in vivo. Pulsed excitation laser light at 337 nm and in the 370-700 nm wavelength range is provided, and the resulting fluorescence can be measured with 10-nm resolution. The system produces single-pulse spectra in human artery wall tissues with a signal-to-noise ratio of 100:1. An optically shielded fiber-optic probe for light delivery and collection permits calibrated intensity information to be obtained.