Mesoscopic light transport properties of a single biological cell: Early detection of cancer

Prabhakar Pradhan
Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University

We have developed a mesoscopic partial wave spectroscopy (PWS) technique to measure the nanoscopic light transport properties of weakly disordered dielectric mesoscopic systems such as biological cells. Using mesoscopic approach, we have statistically quantified the light reflection coefficient and its correlation due to nanoscale refractive index fluctuations within a biological cell, and the results are consistent with the prediction of mesoscopic/nanoscopic light transport theory. Finally, using these parameters, we have imaged and quantified the nanoscale optical disorder strength within the biological cell. Results of precancerous cell studies and cancer detection by the technique will be discussed.