Mid-infrared photonics for early cancer diagnosis

After introducing the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral region (3-25 μm wavelength), the tremendous significance of MIR spectroscopic sensing and imaging is highlighted. The remarkable progress made towards MIR spectral in vitro or ex vivo mapping of tissue and cancer detection is briefly reviewed. The status quo of chalcogenide glass MIR fibre optics and photonics for meeting opportunities for remote MIR sensing in general, and in vivo cancer detection in particular, is assessed. Thus, chalcogenide glass fibre-optics potentially provide a solution for MIR in vivo cancer detection and furthermore for new MIR medical endoscopy for real-time molecular sensing, imaging and analysis of tissue and for fiber laser surgery at new MIR wavelengths. In the wider community, chalcogenide glass fibre-optic and waveguide devices and systems could provide the basis for new MIR communications for molecular sensing to inform decision-taking in sectors as diverse as manufacturing, energy, the environment and security.