WO2025193918A1

WO2025193918A1 - Handheld shortwave infrared imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2025193918A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/019720
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benedict Edward MC LARNEY; Jan Grimm; Daniel Alan Heller; Samuel Elliott HELLMANN
Original assignee: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Current assignee: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Priority date: 2024-03-13
Filing date: 2025-03-13
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-13

Abstract

Presented herein are systems, devices, and methods for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. The device may include a housing defining an aperture, an optical component having a first end structured to be optically coupled with the aperture of housing, a second end structured to be distal from the housing, the second end configured to accept at least a portion of light having a SWIR wavelength emitted by a fluorophore in at least a target area of an object, and a body configured to convey the light from the second end to the first end, and a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor optically coupled with the optical component via the aperture, the sensor configured to convert the light to an electrical signal corresponding to the light.

Description

HANDHELD SHORTWAVE INFRARED IMAGING SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/564,886, titled “Handheld Shortwave Infrared System with Ambient Light Resistance,” filed March 13, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A sensor can acquire measurements from various sources in a physical environment. Upon acquisition, the sensor can transform the measurements into data in electrical form to be processed or used by computing systems.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure includes techniques for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging, specifically, a miniaturized, high-sensitivity, and handheld system for SWIR fluorescence diagnostic imaging. The techniques allow a fluorescence diagnostic system to be built within a light-weight custom designed housing, which can contain and align a sensor, cooling connections, a power supply, a motorized lens, optical components, fiber optics, among others.

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging systems. The system may include a light source configured to illuminate a target area of an object using first light, to cause a fluorophore in the target area to emit second light in response to the first light, and a portable device. The portable device may include an optical component having a first end structured to be arranged away from the target area of the object, a second end structured to be arranged toward the target area of the object, the second end configured to accept at least a portion of the second light from the fluorophore in at least the target area of the object, a body configured to convey the second light from the second end to the first end, and a sensor optically coupled with the first end of the optical component. The sensor may generate an electrical signal using the second light received via the optical component. [0005] In some embodiments, the portable device may include an interface coupled with the optical component. The interface may set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component. In some embodiments, the portable device may include a handle structured to be mountable on at least one hand of a user, the handle defining a cavity thermally coupled with the sensor to dissipate heat. The handle may include a tactile structure configured to set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component via an interaction by the at least one hand.

[0006] In some embodiments, the optical component may include at least one of (i) a lens configured to pass the second light from the second end to the first end or (ii) an optical fiber to carry the second light from the second end to the first end. In some embodiments, the sensor is further configured to send the electrical signal corresponding the second light to an imaging circuit. The imaging circuit may include one or more processors to process the electrical signal from the sensor, the imaging circuit situated remotely from the portable device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the light source may include a beam shaper configured to distribute emission of the first light onto at least the target area of the object. The beam shaper may be arranged relative to the portable device to direct the first light to cause the fluorophore to emit the second light. A range for a wavelength of the second light may be smaller than a range for a wavelength of the first light. The object may include a biological tissue dyed with the fluorophore. The fluorophore may include at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB). In some embodiments, the system may include a power supply electrically coupled with the portable device to provide electrical power to the sensor, and a thermal regulator thermally coupled with the portable device. The thermal regulator may dissipate heat generated by the sensor from within the portable device.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to devices for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. The device may include a housing defining an aperture, an optical component having a first end structured to be optically coupled with the aperture of housing, a second end structured to be distal from the housing, the second end configured to accept at least a portion of light having a SWIR wavelength emitted by a fluorophore in at least a target area of an object, and a body configured to convey the light from the second end to the first end, and a sensor disposed within the housing. The sensor may be optically coupled with the optical component via the aperture. The sensor may convert the light to an electrical signal corresponding to the light.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device may include an imaging circuit including one or more processors coupled with memory configured to process the electrical signal corresponding to the light. The imaging circuit may be disposed within the housing. The imaging circuit may be communicatively coupled with the sensor. In some embodiments, the device may include an optical filter optically coupled with at least one of the optical component or the sensor. The optical filter may at least partially suppress the emitted light outside a target wavelength. The target wavelength may range between 783 nm and 833 nm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical component may include at least one of (i) a lens configured to pass the light from the second end to the first end or (ii) an optical fiber to carry the light from the second end to the first end. In some embodiments, the device may include a handle structured to be coupled with at least one side of the housing. The handle may be held by at least one hand of a user. The handle may include a tactile structure communicatively coupled with the optical component. The tactile structure may set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component via an interaction by the at least one hand.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluorophore in the target may be excited in response to excitation light, and may include at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB). In some embodiments, the device may include a power supply disposed within the housing. The power supply may store electrical power to provide to one or more components in the housing. The housing may be isolated from a light source configured to illuminate a target area of an object, wherein the housing has a weight between 0.5 to 3 kg.

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. The method may include arranging a first end of an optical component to be away from a target area of an object, arranging a second end of the optical component toward the target area of the object, the second end configured to (i) accept at least a portion of light emitted by a fluorophore in at least the target area of the object and (ii) pass the portion of the light to the first end, and optically coupling a sensor with the first end of the optical component, the sensor disposed in a housing mountable on a user, the sensor configured to convert the light to an electrical signal corresponding to the light.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method may include arranging a plurality of light sources, each of the plurality light sources configured to illuminate the target area of the object to cause excitation of the fluorophore to emit the light having a SWIR wavelength. In some embodiments, the method may include communicatively coupling the sensor with an imaging circuit, the imaging circuit including one or more processors configured to process the electrical signal corresponding to the light. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting, via an interaction with a tactile structure on the device, at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component. In some embodiments, the method may include adding the fluorophore in the target area of the object, the fluorophore including at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB). In some embodiments, the optical component may include at least one of (i) a lens configured to pass the second light from the second end to the first end or (ii) an optical fiber to carry the second light from the second end to the first end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example system for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2A depicts a top-down view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [0018] FIG. 3 A depicts a top-down view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 4A depicts a top-down view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 5 A depicts a top-down view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

]0023] FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of a block diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic diagram of an example system for SWIR fluorescence imaging in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7A shows an example phantom image.

[0026] FIG. 7B shows an example SWIR fluorochrome image.

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, systems, devices, and methods for shortwave infrared fluorescence imaging. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes. [0029] In general, shortwave infrared fluorescence imaging (SWIRFI) systems are limited to preclinical implementations due to their large size and complexity. The SWIRFI systems often include bulky optical components, specialized cooling mechanisms, and high- powered excitation sources, resulting in overall dimensions and weight comparable to a refrigerator. These constraints hinder their use in clinical or portable applications, limiting real-time intraoperative imaging and point-of-care diagnostics.

[0030] The present disclosure includes techniques for a miniaturized, high- sensitivity, and handheld system for fluorescence diagnostic imaging. By reducing the size of the imaging component (e.g., a sensor, an electronic communication, etc.) to dimensions (e.g., comparable to a hard drive, a handheld bar code scanner, etc.), the system achieves portability while maintaining performance. The handheld system disclosed herein may have a length ranging from 50 mm to 1500 mm, a width ranging from 50 mm to 1500 mm, and a height ranging from 50 mm to 1500 mm, with a weight ranging from 0.5 kg to 3 kg. A high- sensitive, compact SWIR sensor (e.g., a camera) can be incorporated to enhance imaging capabilities. The sensor may include a high-sensitivity, high-speed focal plane array (e.g., 640x512 or 340x256 pixels at varying pixel pitch, 600 frames per second) developed from Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) with either a thinned or non-thinned Indium Phorsphide bandgap layer. For example, the sensor can include C-Red 2 Lite, C-Red 3, or C-Red 2 from First light, with a length ranging 70 mm to 140 mm, a width ranging from 60 mm to 120 mm, and a height ranging from 50 mm to 150 mm with a weight ranging from 0.4 kg to 2 kg. This sensor can achieve high quantum efficiency in the 900-1700 nm spectral range of light. Cooling of the sensor can be achieved using either thermoelectric cooling (TEC) or liquid cooling to maintain temperatures below room temperature. The cooling component can be kept compact by utilizing TEC or an external liquid pump source that is not directly mounted onto the sensor itself (e.g., C-Red 3 cooling unit: L55 mm x W55 mm x H60 mm, 230 g).

[0031] The system may include a high efficiency (e.g., f#1.4 or better) SWIR lens (e.g., Kowa LM8HC-SW, Edmund Optics #83-815, 205 g). The system may include a customized motorization mechanism incorporating a motor, connections, joy stick/button- based controls, etc., which can be derived, mounted, and/or programmed to operate the lens. This can enable true handheld use by the end user for on-the-fly adjustment of the focal plane to image objects at varying distances. These components can be miniaturized and incorporated into the system, preventing a large weight addition and maintaining handheld usage.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system may include a light source that can be in proximity to the sensor and housed on a transportable cart. The light from the light source (e.g., LED or laser based) may include wavelengths from 400-1500 nm (e.g., Thorlabs MCLS1) which can be chosen based on the end goal of the user and the requirements to perform reflectance-based imaging for anatomical reference, suitable wavelength excitation for fluorophore of choice (e.g., 808nm ± 25nm) for indocyanine green. To reduce the overall size, the light can be guided from the light source to the system via fiber optic cables. For example, the system may include or be coupled with fiber optic cables having multiple wavelength inputs (e.g., two which can be combined using a fiber optic coupler, such as Thorlabs TT400R5F2B), splitting the input beam into two outputs with a 50:50 split.

[0033] At the end of the fiber on the imaging side, a collimating, expanding, and diffusing optical component can be located to form a suitable beam, followed by a diffusing lens (e.g., 50° beam angle, Thorlabs ED1-S50-MD) to deliver illumination to the object. A dedicated component can be present in proximity to and on both sides of the lens and sensor, enabling even illumination of the object. In the use case of fluorescence guided surgery, the laser energy at both outputs can be maintained within a Class 3R configuration (e.g., high beam divergence, less than 4.99 mW, and below 0.1 s pulse duration), removing the need for the use of laser safety goggles when used by trained operators.

[0034] For applications outside of surgery (e.g., lymphatic drainage mapping with indocyanine green) the laser power can be increased to be within the ANSI skin safety limit depending on the excitation wavelength (e.g., 330mW/cm2 at 808 nm) but users and patients can be made to wear appropriate laser safety goggles. In all cases excitation wavelengths can be delivered in a “train” sequence with anatomical reference images acquired first (e.g., 1450 nm ± 20 nm) followed by a fluorophore excitation sequence (e.g., 808 nm ± 25 nm). Kinematically mounted (e.g., magnetic) components can be added to the front of the lens to reduce unwanted fluorescent photons by placing (e.g., 1100 or 1300 nm ± 20 nm) long pass optical filters (e.g., Thorlabs FELH1300). The exposure times (e.g., below 10 ms ± 5 ms) can permit video rate imaging, real time image processing and overlay for real time visualization of the object. Custom software can be developed to control the camera, provide motor control, perform image processing, and enable the user to select a background reference point for contrast mode image generation.

[0035] The techniques disclosed herein allow a fluorescence diagnostic system to be built within a light-weight custom designed housing, which containing and aligning a sensor, cooling connections, a power supply, a motorized lens, optical components, fiber optics, etc. The housing can include or provide an ergonomic handle for use, with haptic buttons for the user to permit focus on objects within the depth of the field of device. Additionally, the system may provide a miniaturized system with similar sensitivity to large preclinical systems, enabling handheld clinical deployment. Plastic covers may be placed over the housing of the system to ensure sterility during surgical use but may be omitted for non-open cavity imaging. The system may be used in handheld mode, and additionally mounted on an arm, extending from the base platform where the computing device and other components are housed. This can be “focused” mode, which can enable the user to perform surgery with both hands, in real time with the system placed above the surgical field.

[0036] In some instances, the room in which the system can be used may have the lighting modified. The lighting used can be altered to LED based bulbs with minimal to no SWIR spectral emission (e.g., no emission above approximately 800 nm). This lighting in combination with the system can enable any open cavity -based surgery (e.g., breast, lymph node mapping, flap perfusion assessment and angiography) which utilizes indocyanine green (FDA approved) to be performed without the need to turn off the lighting in the room. This combination can also provide a facile and cost-effective method for room lights on imaging, reducing surgical procedure disruption, improving the time taken to perform surgery and removing a barrier for translation of fluorescence guided surgery. The system disclosed herein may also have applications in monitoring wounds through bandages, without the need for bandage removal and also under ambient lighting, providing a point of care application outside of the surgical room. The high frame rate (e.g., 600 fps) can further allow other applications hand acquired three-dimensional mapping of indocyanine green distribution in lymphatic systems, by users under ambient lighting conditions. [0037] With the foregoing in mind, the figures and description below illustrate various examples of the techniques for performing shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. The figures and description below are non-limiting examples and can be implemented as any of various other configurations while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments can be used in addition or instead. Details that can be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted. Some embodiments can be practiced with additional components or steps or without all of the components or steps that are described.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted is a block diagram of an example system 100 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. In brief overview, the system 100 may be or include a portable device, a handheld device (or an apparatus, a system, etc.), an optical table setup, or any optical system. The system 100 may include at least one light source 105 and at least one device 120, among others. In some embodiments, the light source 105 may include at least one beam shaper 107. The device 120 may include at least one optical component 125, at least one sensor 130, and at least one imaging circuit 135, among others. In some embodiments, the device 120 may include at least one thermal regulator 140, at least one power supply 145, at least one tactile interface 150, among others. The system 100 of FIG. 1 is simplified for illustrative purposes, and thus, can be implemented as any of various other configurations while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

]0039] In further detail, the light source 105 may illuminate at least one target area 112 of an object 110 using excitation light 10. The excitation light 10 may cause at least one fluorophore 114 in the target area 112 to reflect, produce, or otherwise emit emitted light 20 (e.g., having a SWIR wavelength) in response to the excitation light 10. The excitation light 10- may have a wavelength in SWIR, ranging between 400 to 1500 nm, 700 nm to 1700 nm, or 900 to 2500 nm, among others. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a single light source 105 (e.g., as depicted) or multiple light sources 105. The light source 105 may be disposed, arranged, or otherwise positioned relative to the device 120. In some embodiments, the light source 105 may be mountable (e.g., on an optical table, on the device 120, on any stationary structure, etc.). In some embodiments, the light source 105 may be mechanically coupled (e.g., attached, joined, or fastened) to the device 120 or to a user of the device 120.

[0040] The light source 105 may be or include a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser, or any optical system configured to provide the excitation light 10. The light source 105 may generate and direct the excitation light 10 to illuminate the target area 112 of the object 110. The light source 105 may generate the excitation light 10 using various mechanisms that convert electrical energy into optical radiation (e.g., LED sources, laser sources, electroluminescent sources, etc.). In some embodiments, the light source 105 may be or include an arc lamp, or a xenon lamp, among others. In some embodiments, the light source 105 may be portable. In some embodiments, the light source 105 may be battery-powered or wireless controlled.

|0041] In some embodiments, the light source 105 may include or be optically coupled with at least one beam shaper 107. The optical coupling may be via an optical cable or fiber. The beam shaper 107 may distribute emission of the excitation light 10 onto the target area 112 of the object 110. For example, the beam shaper 107 may be, or include, a diffusor, collimator, or any component configured to modify the emission or path of the excitation light 10 for a distribution of the excitation light 10 across the target area 112. The beam shaper 107 may have a diffusion angle ranging between 25 to 75 degrees. The beam shaper 107 may have a scattering profile to define the distribution of the excitation light 10 across the target area 112, and may, include, for example, a normal distribution, a predefined pattern, or a elliptical function, among others.

]0042] In some embodiments, the beam shaper 107 may be arranged relative to the device 120 to direct the excitation light 10 to cause the fluorophore 114 to emit the emitted light 20. F In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light source 115 may be included within the device 120 or connected to the device 120. For example, the beam shaper 107 may be connected to or disposed within the device 120 while the light source 105 is located outside the device 120. In some embodiments, the wavelengths of the excitation light 10 may range from 400-1500 nm. The wavelengths of the excitation light 10 may be in a wavelength range (e.g., specific to one or more types of the fluorophore 114), such that the excitation light 10 can excite the fluorophore 114 in the target area 112. For example, the wavelength of the excitation light 10 generated by the light source 105 may be shorter than the SWIR wavelength of the emitted light 20 emitted from the fluorophore 114.

[0043] The target area 112 on the object 110 may be shone or illuminated by the light source 105 via the excitation light 10. The object 110 may be any material or item to be imaged by using the device 120. The object 110 may include, for example, a biological sample extracted from a surgery (e.g., a human or animal subject), an organ (e.g., esophagus, stomach, colon, small intestine, rectum, lungs, liver, gallbladder, prostate, cervix, uterus, or bladder) within a body of the subject under surgery, or an exterior region (e.g., outer skin) of the body of the subject under surgery. The target area 112 may correspond to a portion of the object 110 to be imaged using the light source 105 and the device 120. While primarily described in the context of biological sample, the object 110 may be any type of material or item, such as industrial or agricultural applications.

[0044] To facilitate SWIR imaging, the fluorophore 114 may be added to the target area 112 of the object 110. In some embodiments, the fluorophore 114 may include at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB), among others. The fluorophore 1144 in the target area 112 can be excited in response to the excitation light 10. Upon excitation, the fluorophore 1140 in the target area 112 can emit the emitted light 20 (e.g., having the SWIR wavelength). For example, the object 110 may include a biological tissue dyed with the fluorophore 114, which can emit the emitted light 20 in response to the excitation light 10 illuminated onto the biological tissue. The wavelengths of the emitted light 20 may be in the SWIR spectrum, varying based on the type of the fluorophore 114. In some embodiments, a range for the wavelengths of the emitted light 20 may be smaller than a range for the wavelengths of the excitation light 10. In some embodiments, the wavelength for the excitation light 10 may be shorter than the wavelength for the emitted light 20.

[0045] The device 120 itself may be a mobile, transportable, or portable, among others. The device 120 may accept at least a portion of the emitted light 20 from the fluorophore 114, for the purposes of imaging the target area 112 of the object 110. The device 120 itself may be handheld, light-eight, or mobile, enabling flexible operation in various imaging applications. The device 120 may have a length ranging from 50 mm to 1500 mm, a width ranging from 50 mm to 1500 mm, and a height ranging from 50 mm to 1500 mm. The device 120 may have a weight ranging from 0.5 kg to 3 kg, In some embodiments, the device 120 may be part of one or more other components of the system 100. For instance, the device 120 may be part of a robotic surgery system. The robotic surgery system may include one or more control consoles, arms, instruments, and other components to carry out or assist with a surgery on the subject (e.g., part of the object 110). In some embodiments, the device 120 may be arranged, situated, or otherwise positioned relative to the light source 105 (or the beam shaper 107). For instance, the device 120 may be positioned relative to the light source 105 to accept the emitted light 20 from the target area 112.

[0046] The device 120 may be mountable in different ways to accommodate various use cases. For example, the device 120 may be mountable on a body, arm, wrist, or hand of a user, using a strap, an elastic band, buckles, clasps, fasteners, or adhesives, among others., to allow the device 120 to be secured to a user’s hand, wrist, arm, or another surface. In some embodiments, the device 120 may include a pin-based attachment mechanism for engagement with a support frame, a docking station, a tripod, among others. In some embodiments, the device 120 may include an ergonomic grip, a wrist strap, or a contoured housing to enhance usability during handheld operation. In some embodiments, the device 120 may be fitted into a groove designed for secure placement within a larger system. In some embodiments, a magnetic mounting mechanism may allow the device 120 to be attached to a compatible surface, facilitating easy repositioning. In some embodiments, the device 120 may also include a clip-on mechanism for securing the device 120 to a belt, a medical cart, harness, among others. In some embodiments, a threaded mounting point may be provided to enable attachment to a standard tripod, an arm, or a robotic support structure, among others. These configurations may allow the device 120 to be used in handheld or mountable mode while being securely affixed to a structure.

[0047] The optical component 125 of the device 120 can receive, obtain, or otherwise accept at least a portion of the emitted light 20 from the fluorophore 114 in the target area 112 of the object 110. The optical component 125 may be optically coupled with the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135, or both. The optical component 125 may direct the emitted light 20 to the sensor 130. In some embodiments, the optical component 125 may be or include a lens, an optical fiber, or any optical component configured to receive the emitted light 20 and direct to the sensor 130. The optical component 125 may be particularly configured for SWIR purposes. For example, the optical component 125 (e.g., a lens, an optical fiber, etc.) can be coated, modulated, or otherwise configured to receive and pass the emitted light 20 in the SWIR wavelength. The optical component 125 may be comprised of material, such as germanium, silicon, or chalcogenide, with high transmission within the SWIR spectrum. The optical component 125 (e.g., in lens or optical fiber form) can have an optical coating made of materials such as magnesium fluoride (MgF2), oxides, zinc sulfide (ZnS), and zinc selenide (ZnSe), among others. The optical coating may be for anti -refl ection (e.g., to reduce reflection losses), broadband (e.g., to pass the SWIR spectrum), or narrowband coatings (e.g., to pass a portion of the SWIR spectrum), among others. The optical component 125 may pass through or accept the emitted light 20, with the wavelength ranging between 400 to 1500 nm, 700 nm to 1700 nm, or 900 to 2500 nm, among others.

[0048] In some embodiments, the optical component 125 may include a first end (e.g., a proximal end) structured to be arranged away from the target area 112. The optical component 125 may have a second end (e.g., a distal end) structured to be arranged toward the target area 112. The second end may accept at least a portion of the emitted light 20 from the fluorophore 114 in the target area 112. The optical component 125 may include a body configured to convey the emitted light 20 from the second end to the first end. , the optical component 125 may be or include a lens to pass the emitted light 20 from the second end to the first end. In some embodiments, the optical component 125 may be or include an optical fiber to carry the emitted light 20 from the second end to the first end.

[0049] The sensor 130 of the device 120 can receive the emitted light 20 from the optical component 125 and generate corresponding signals based on the emitted light 20. The sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the optical component 125 to receive the emitted light 20. The sensor 130 may detect light within the wavelength ranges of the emitted light 20. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may generate a corresponding electrical signal using the emitted light 20 received via the optical component 125. For example, the sensor 130 may be or include a photodetector, or a SWIR camera, among others. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may send the electrical signal corresponding the emitted light 20 to the imaging circuit 135. [0050] The sensor 130 may be comprised of an infrared sensitive material. For example, the sensor 130 may include a high-sensitivity, high-speed focal plane array (e.g., 640x512 or 340x256 pixels at varying pixel pitch, 600 frames per second) developed from Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) with either a thinned or non-thinned Indium Phorsphide bandgap layer. For example, the sensor 130 may include C-Red 2 Lite, C-Red 3, or C-Red 2 from First light, with a length ranging 70 mm to 140 mm, a width ranging from 60 mm to 120 mm, and a height ranging from 50 mm to 150 mm with a weight ranging from 0.4 kg to 2 kg, capable of high quantum efficiency in the 900-1700 nm spectral range of light. The sensor 130 may also be comprised of Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe), colloidal quantum dot (CQD), or germanium (Ge), among others.

|0051] In some embodiments, the device 120 may include a housing (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 2A-6). The housing may accommodate at least a portion of the optical component 125, the sensor 130, among others. In some embodiments, the housing may accommodate the imaging circuit 135, the thermal regulator 140, the power supply 145, among others, within the housing. The housing may define an aperture. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the optical component 125 via the aperture. For example, the first end of the optical component 125 may be optically coupled with the aperture of housing, which then may be optically coupled with the sensor 130. As discussed in greater detail below, the housing of the device 120 may accommodate various components of the system 100 while allowing for the device 120 to be portable.

]0052] The imaging circuit 135 may include one or more processors to process the electrical signal from the sensor 130. In some embodiments, the imaging circuit 135 may be situated remotely from the device 120. In some embodiments, the imaging circuit 135 may (sometimes herein generally referred to as a computing system or a server) be any computing device including one or more processors coupled with memory and software and capable of performing the various processes and tasks described herein. The imaging circuit 135 may be in communication with the sensor 130, among others. The one or more processors of the imaging circuit 135 can include a single processor, which can have one or more cores, or multiple processors.

[0053] In some embodiments, the one or more processors can include a general- purpose primary processor as well as one or more special-purpose co-processors, such as graphics processors, digital signal processors, or the like. In some embodiments, some, or all, of the one or more processors can be implemented using customized circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some embodiments, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself. In other embodiments, the one or more processors can execute instructions stored in local storage. Any type of processors in any combination can be included in the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the imaging circuit 135 may be located within the device 120. In some embodiments, the imaging circuit 135 may be situated remotely from the device 120. The imaging circuit 135 may process the electrical signal from the sensor 130. For example, the imaging circuit 135 may provide diagnostic information based on the electrical signal that is received from the sensor 130 and corresponds to the emitted light 20.

[0054] The power supply 145 may be electrically coupled with the device 120 to provide electrical power to the sensor 130 or other components of the device 120. In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be a battery disposed within the device 120, allowing for portable and untethered operations. In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be a rechargeable lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, or other battery type, selected based on factors such as a capacity, a weight, a power efficiency, among others. In some embodiments, the battery may be removable or replaceable. The power supply 145 may include a charging port, a docking station, a wireless charging interface, among others.

|0055] In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be situated outside the device 120 and connected to the device 120 (e.g., via a power line). For example, the power supply 145 may be an external battery unit that is physically separate from the device 120 and electrically connected via a power cable, among others. This configuration may allow for extended operation time by enabling the use of a larger battery pack without adding an excessive weight to the handheld or portable device. In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be a wired power source. For example, the device 120 may be connected to a wall outlet, a power adaptor, or other mains power source. The power connection between the power supply 145 and the device 120 may be established using, for example, a standard power cord, a detachable power adapter, a direct DC power line, among others. [0056] The thermal regulator 140 may be thermally coupled with the device 120. The thermal regulator 140 may remove, evaluate, or otherwise dissipate heat generated by the sensor 130 (or other components of the device 120) from within the device 120. In some embodiments, the thermal regulator 140 may be or include a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), a liquid cooling system, or other cooling systems that can be situated within the device 120 to dissipate the heat generated by the device 120. In some embodiments, the thermal regulator 140 may be situated outside the device 120.

[0057] The tactile interface 150 of the device 120 may set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component 125 via an interaction by the user (e.g., a finger or hand of the user). The tactile interface 150 may be part of a human-machine interface (HMI) or ergonomic component of the device 120 to facilitate positioning of the user holding the device 120 and interactions between the user the device 120. For instance, the tactile interface 150 may be part of a handle to be held in a hand of user or a mounting piece between the main housing of the device 120 and the arm of the user. The tactile interface 150 may be communicatively, mechanically, or electrically coupled with other components of the device 120. In some embodiments, the tactile interface 150 may be or include at least one of a button, a dial, a touch screen, or other controls configured to receive an input from the user. The figures and description below illustrate various examples of the system 100, the device 120, among others. The figures and description below are non-limiting examples and can be implemented as any of various other configurations while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIGS. 2 A and 2B depict schematic diagrams of an example system 200 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. More specifically, FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the system 200, and FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the system 200. The system 200 includes a lens 225 as a non-limiting example of the optical component 125, and additionally includes a housing 221, an interface 228, fiber optics 208, a handle 250, buttons 252A,B, a signal line 255, among others, as non-limiting examples.

[0059] The light source 105 (not shown in FIGS. 2 A or 2B) can provide the excitation light 10 through the fiber optics 208. The fiber optics 208 may direct the generated excitation light 10 from the light source 105 to the beam shaper 107. The beam shaper 107 may be a diffuser configured to distribute emission of the excitation light 10 onto the target area 112 (or a field of view 30 shown in FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, the beam shaper 107 may be arranged relative to the housing 221 to direct the excitation light 10 to cause the fluorophore 114 to emit the emitted light 20. For example, the beam shaper 107 may be at a 5 to 85 degree angle relative to a length of the lens 225 or the overall device 120. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light source 105 may be included within the housing 221 or connected thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 A, the beam shaper 107 may be disposed adjacent to the lens 225, while being mechanically connected to a respective side of the housing 221. In some embodiments, the beam shaper 107 may be accommodated within the housing 221, while the light source 105 is located outside the housing 221. In some embodiments, the fiber optics 208 may be connected to or accommodated within the housing 221.

[0060] The lens 225 may receive the emitted light 20 and direct to the sensor 130. The lens 225 may receive, obtain, or otherwise accept the emitted light 20 having the SWIR wavelength. For example, the lens 225 may be transparent in the SWIR wavelength range to accept and pass the emitted light 20 originating from the target area 112. The lens 225 may include a proximal end 225 A and a distal end 225B. The proximal end 225 A (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B) may be structured to be arranged away from the target area 112. The proximal end 225 A may correspond to a surface of the lens 225 that is further from the housing 221. The distal end 225B (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B) may be structured to be arranged toward the target area 112. The distal end 225B may accept at least a portion of the emitted light 20 from the fluorophore 114 in the target area 112. The lens 225 may include a body 225C configured to convey the emitted light 20 from the distal end 225B to the proximal end 225A.

[0061] The sensor 130 can receive the emitted light 20 from the lens 225 and generate corresponding signals based on the emitted light 20. The sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the lens 225 to receive the emitted light 20. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may be disposed within the housing 221. The sensor 130 may provide the corresponding signals to the imaging circuit 135 through the signal line 255. For example, the sensor 130 may be a photodetector (or a SWIR camera) configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the emitted light 20 and send the electrical signal to the imaging circuit 135 through the signal line 255. [0062] In some embodiments, the sensor 130 (or the imaging circuit 135) may be situated outside the housing 221. In these examples, the signal line 255 may be an optical fiber configured to receive the emitted light 20 from the lens 225 and direct the emitted light 20 to the sensor 130 (e.g., situated outside the housing 221). The sensor 130 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the emitted light 20 and send the electrical signal to the imaging circuit 135. This can enable lighter and smaller design (e.g., a weight, dimensions, etc.). As the sensor 130 is situated outside the housing 221, thermal issues can be addressed outside the housing 221, which further improves the design simplicity (e.g., by locating the cooling system, etc. outside the housing 221). In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may have a length ranging from 70 mm to 140 mm, a width ranging from 60 mm to 120 mm, and a height ranging from 50 mm to 150 mm with a weight ranging from 0.4 kg to 2 kg.

[0063] In some embodiments, the system 200 may include an optical filter 226 optically coupled with at least one of the optical component 125 (e.g., the lens 225) or the sensor 130. The optical filter 226 may at least partially suppress the emitted light 20 outside a target wavelength (e.g., the target wavelength may range between 783 nm and 833 nm). For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the optical filter 226 may be disposed between the lens 225 and the target area 112. Although not shown, the optical filter 226 may be disposed between the sensor 130 and the lens 225.

[0064] The housing 221 may have a lateral side 221 S and a base side 221B. In some embodiments, the lateral side 221S may extend ranging between 50 mm and 1500 mm (e.g., a height of the housing 221), and the base side 221B (e.g., a length of the housing 221) may extend ranging between 50 mm and 1500 mm. A width of the housing 221 may extend ranging between 50 mm and 1500 mm. In some embodiments, the housing 221 may have a weight between 0.5 and 3 kg. In some embodiments, the housing 221 may be isolated from the light source 105.

[0065] In some embodiments, the housing 221 may accommodate at least a portion of the lens 225 within the housing 221. The housing 221 may define an aperture 231. In some embodiments, the aperture 231 may be formed on the lateral side 22 IS of the housing 221. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the lens 225 via the aperture 231. For example, the proximal end 225 A of the lens 225 may be optically coupled with the aperture 231 of housing 221. The aperture 231 may then be optically coupled with the sensor 130. That is, the sensor 130 may receive the emitted light 20 from the lens 225 via the aperture 231.

[0066] In some embodiments, the system 200 may include the interface 228 coupled with the lens 225. The interface 228 may be or include various components that enable adjustment of optical properties of the lens 225, such as a motor, an actuator, or a motorized optical component (e.g., coupled with the lens 225, etc.). The motor may be an electric motor, a stepper motor, a servo motor, among others, which may provide precise control over lens adjustments. The actuator may include a linear actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electromechanical actuator, among others, configured to move lens elements in response to electrical signals. The motorized optical component may be or include a motorized zoom lens, a focus-adjustable mechanism, an iris diaphragm control system, among others, that can be integrated with the lens 225. The interface 228 may adjust, change, or otherwise set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the lens 225. For example, the interface 228 may include a focus adjustment mechanism (e.g., an actuator), such as a motor-driven focusing ring or a voice coil actuator. The zoom adjustment mechanism may include a gear- driven or electronically controlled zoom motor. The iris adjustment mechanism may include a motorized aperture control system, which can dynamically adjust the amount of light passing through the lens 225.

[0067] In some embodiments, the system 200 may include the handle 250. The handle 250 may be coupled with at least one side (e.g., the base side 22 IB) of the housing 221. The handle 250 may be held by at least one hand of the user. For example, the handle 250 may be or include an ergonomic structure for holding the system 200 by one hand of the user. The handle 250 may be structured to be mountable or holdable on at least one hand of the user. The handle 250 may define a handle volume within the handle 250. In some embodiments, the handle volume may be connected to a housing volume of the housing 221. In some embodiments, the handle 250 may include the signal line 255, the power supply 145 (e.g., a power line connecting an outlet to the system 200, a battery, etc.), within the handle volume.

[0068] In some embodiments, the system 200 may include buttons 252A,B (e.g., examples of the tactile interface 150) communicatively coupled with the optical component 125 (e.g., the lens 225). The buttons 252A,B may set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component 125 (e.g., the lens 225) via an interaction by the at least one hand. In some embodiments, although not shown, the interface 228 may be communicatively coupled with a tactile structure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the handle 250 may include the buttons 252A,B as a haptic or tactile structure. In some embodiments, the housing 221 itself may include the buttons 252 A, B.

|0069] In some embodiments, the system 200 may include the power supply 145. The power supply 145 may be or include a power line connected to the sensor 130, among others. As shown, the housing 221 or the handle 250 may accommodate the power supply 145 therewithin. In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be disposed within the housing 221. For example, the power supply 145 may be a battery (although depicted as a power line). The power supply 145 may store electrical power to provide to one or more components (e.g., the sensor 130) in the housing 221. In some embodiments, the system 200 may include a cord that combines the power supply, the signal line 255, among others.

[0070] In some embodiments, the system 200 may include the thermal regulator 140 (not shown in FIGS. 2A or 2B). The thermal regulator 140 may be thermally coupled with the sensor 130, and the housing 221 (e.g., the volume within the housing 221), among others. The thermal regulator 140 may dissipate heat generated by the sensor 130 (or other components within the housing 221) from within the housing 221. In some embodiments, the thermal regulator 140 may be or include a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), a liquid cooling system, or other cooling systems that can be situated within the housing 221 to dissipate the heat generated within the housing 221. In some embodiments, the thermal regulator 140 may be situated outside the housing 221. In some embodiments, the handle 250 may define a cavity thermally coupled with the sensor 130 to dissipate heat.

[0071] The system 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be a handheld device. The user can hold the system 200 or at least part thereof to collect the emitted light 20 via the lens 225. For example, the user can hold the system 200, including the housing 221 and the beam shaper 107 connected thereto. In some embodiments, the user can hold and move the housing 221 (or the lens 225, the sensor 130, etc.) around the target area 112, while the beam shaper 107 directs the excitation light 10 to the target area 112 while fixed (e.g., on a measurement table, etc.). [0072] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict schematic diagrams of an example system 300 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. More specifically, FIG. 3 A depicts a top view of the system 300, and FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the system 300. In some embodiments, the system 300 may be substantially similar to or incorporate features of the systems 100 and 200, among others. For example, the system 300 may alternatively include a fiber optic 325 (e.g., a non-limiting example of the optical component 125), as opposed to the system 200 including the lens 225.

[0073] The fiber optic 325 may receive the emitted light 20 and direct to the sensor 130. The fiber optic 325 may be configured to receive and direct the emitted light 20 having the SWIR wavelength. For example, the fiber optic 325 may be transparent in the SWIR wavelength range. The fiber optic 325 may have a proximal end 325A and a distal end 325B. In some embodiments, the proximal end 325A (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B) may be structured to be arranged away from the target area 112. The distal end 325B (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B) may be structured to be arranged toward the target area 112. The distal end 325B may accept at least a portion of the emitted light 20 from the fluorophore 114 in the target area 112. The fiber optic 325 may include a body 325C configured to convey the emitted light 20 from the distal end 325B to the proximal end 325A. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the fiber optic 325 may include or be coupled with a lens (e.g., the lens 225). For example, the fiber optic 325 may include such a lens at the distal end 325B to collect the emitted light 20. Although not shown in FIGS. 3A or 3B, in some embodiments, the system 300 may include an optical filter (e.g., the optical filter 226 in FIG. 2A) optically coupled with at least one of the optical component 125 (e.g., the fiber optic 325) or the sensor 130. The optical filter may at least partially suppress the emitted light 20 outside a target wavelength. The target wavelength may range, for example, between 783 nm and 833 nm. For example, the optical filter may be disposed between the fiber optic 325 and the target area 112, or between the sensor 130 and the fiber optic 325.

[0074] The sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the fiber optic 325 to receive the emitted light 20. As shown in FIG. 3B, the sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the proximal end 325A of the fiber optic 325 through the aperture 231. The sensor 130 may be coupled with the signal line 255. The sensor 130 may provide a corresponding signal (e.g., an electrical signal based on the emitted light 20) to the imaging circuit 135 through the signal line 255. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the sensor 130 may be situated outside the housing 221. In these examples, the signal line 255 may be optically coupled with or part of the fiber optic 325. The fiber optic 325 or the signal line 255 may receive the emitted light 20 and direct the emitted light 20 to the sensor 130 (e.g., situated outside the housing 221). The sensor 130 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the emitted light 20 and send the electrical signal to the imaging circuit 135. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may be optically coupled with the fiber optic 325 via the aperture 231. For example, the proximal end 325A of the fiber optic 325 may be optically coupled with the aperture 231 of housing 221. The aperture 231 may then be optically coupled with the sensor 130. That is, the sensor 130 may receive the emitted light 20 from the fiber optic 325 via the aperture 231.

[0075] FIGS. 4 A and 4B depict schematic diagrams of an example system 400 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. More specifically, FIG. 4A depicts a top view of the system 400, and FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the system 400. In some embodiments, the system 400 may be substantially similar to or incorporate features of the systems 100 and 200, among others. For example, the system 400 may include the imaging circuit 135 accommodated within the housing 221, as opposed to the system 200.

[0076] The imaging circuit 135 of the system 400 may be operatively coupled with the sensor 130. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may receive the emitted light 20 from the lens 225 and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the emitted light 20. The sensor 130 may send the electrical signal to the imaging circuit 135 for further processing. The imaging circuit 135 may receive the electrical signal from the sensor 130 and provide relevant information (e.g., diagnostic information) corresponding to the emitted light 20. The imaging circuit 135 may send the relevant information through the signal line 255.

[0077] In some embodiments, the system 400 may include the buttons 252 A, B (e.g., examples of the tactile interface 150) communicatively coupled with the optical component 125 (e.g., the lens 225) and/or the imaging circuit 135. The buttons 252A,B may adjust, change, or otherwise set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the lens 225 via an interaction by at least one hand. The buttons 252A,B may control one or more functions of the imaging circuit 135 via an interaction by at least one hand. In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be or include a power line connected to the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135 (or both). For example, the power supply 145 may be a power line connected to the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135, a battery configured to provide power to the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135. In some embodiments, the system 400 may include the thermal regulator 140 (not shown in FIGS. 4A or 4B). The thermal regulator 140 may be thermally coupled with the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135, among others. The thermal regulator 140 may dissipate heat generated by the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135 from within the housing 221.

[0078] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict schematic diagrams of an example system 500 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. More specifically, FIG. 5 A depicts a top view of the system 500, and FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the system 500. In some embodiments, the system 500 may be substantially similar to or incorporate features of the systems 100-300, among others. For example, the system 500 may include the imaging circuit 135 accommodated within the housing 221, as opposed to the system 300.

[0079] The imaging circuit 135 of the system 500 may be operatively coupled with the sensor 130. In some embodiments, the sensor 130 may receive the emitted light 20 from the fiber optic 325 and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the emitted light 20. The sensor 130 may send the electrical signal to the imaging circuit 135 for further processing. The imaging circuit 135 may receive the electrical signal from the sensor 130 and provide relevant information (e.g., diagnostic information) corresponding to the emitted light 20. The imaging circuit 135 may send the relevant information through the signal line 255.

[0080] In some embodiments, the system 500 may include buttons 252A,B (examples of the tactile interface 150) communicatively coupled with the optical component 125 (e.g., the lens 225) or the imaging circuit 135. The buttons 252A,B may set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the fiber optic 325 via an interaction by at least one hand. The buttons 252 A, B may control one or more functions of the imaging circuit 135 via an interaction by at least one hand. In some embodiments, the power supply 145 may be or include a power line connected to the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135. For example, the power supply 145 may be a power line connected to the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135, a battery configured to provide power to the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135. In some embodiments, the system 500 may include the thermal regulator 140 (not shown in FIGS. 5A or 5B). The thermal regulator 140 may be thermally coupled with the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135, etc. The thermal regulator 140 may dissipate heat generated by the sensor 130 or the imaging circuit 135 from within the housing 221.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, depicted is a schematic diagram of an example system 600 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. The system 600 is shown to include a light source 605, diffusers 607, fiber optics 608, and a device 620 disposed on an optical table 690, as a non-limiting example. The light source 605, the diffusers 607, the fiber optics 608, and the device 620 may be non-limiting examples of the light source 105, the beam shaper 107, the fiber optics 208, and the device 120, respectively. The device 120 may include a sensor 630 and a lens 625. In some embodiments, the system 600 may include an interface (e.g., the interface 228, an actuator, or any electro-mechanical mechanism configured to adjust a position of the device 620 or a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the lens 625) to scan a target area (e.g., the target area 112) of the object. The interface may be fixed on the optical table 690.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7 A and 7B, shown are an example phantom image (FIG.

7A) and an example SWIR fluorochrome image (FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, the phantom image of FIG. 7 A and the SWIR fluorochrome image of FIG. 7B can be obtained by testing the systems disclosed herein (e.g., the systems 100-600). For example, the phantom image of FIG. 7 A and the SWIR fluorochrome image of FIG. 7B can be obtained using the system 100 with ICG concentrations from 100-1000 nM. This shows that the device 120 is able to detect SWIR agents in nM concentrations, which correspond to clinical concentrations of ICG in sentinel lymph nodes in a sentinel lymph node resection procedure using optical guidance with ICG.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 8, depicted is a flow diagram of an example method 800 for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging. The method 800 can be executed, performed, or otherwise carried out using the systems 100-600. Under the method 800, a first end (e.g., the proximal end 225 A of FIG. 2B) of an optical component (e.g., the lens 225 of FIG. 2B, the fiber optic 325 of FIG. 2B) may be arranged to be away from a target area (e.g., the target area 112) of an object (810). A second end (e.g., the distal end 225B of FIG. 2B) of the optical component may be arranged toward the target area of the object (820). The second end may (i) accept at least a portion of light (e.g., the emitted light 20) emitted by a fluorophore (e.g., the fluorophore 114) in at least the target area of the object and (ii) pass the portion of the light to the first end. A sensor (e.g., the sensor 130) may be optically coupled with the first end of the optical component (830). The sensor may be disposed in a housing (e.g., the housing 221) of a device mountable or attachable on a user. The sensor may convert the light to an electrical signal corresponding to the light. SWIR fluorescence imaging of the target area may be performed using the device (e.g., the device 120) (840).

[0084] In some embodiments, under the method 800, a plurality of light sources (e.g., the light source 105) may be arranged. Each of the plurality light sources may illuminate the target area of the object to cause excitation of the fluorophore to emit the light having a SWIR wavelength. In some embodiments, under the method 800, the sensor may be communicatively coupled with an imaging circuit (e.g., the imaging circuit 135) configured to process the electrical signal corresponding to the light. In some embodiments, under the method 800, at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component may be adjusted, via an interaction with a tactile structure (e.g., the tactile interface 150) on the device. Under the method 800, the fluorophore may be added in the target area of the object. The fluorophore may include at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB), among others. In some embodiments, under the method 800, the optical component may include, for example, a lens configured to pass the second light from the second end to the first end or an optical fiber to carry the second light from the second end to the first end.

[0085] While the disclosure has been described with respect to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications are possible. Embodiments of the disclosure can be realized using a variety of computer systems and communication technologies including but not limited to the specific examples described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be realized using any combination of dedicated components and/or programmable processors and/or other programmable devices. The various processes described herein can be implemented on the same processor or different processors in any combination. Where components are described as being configured to perform certain operations, such configuration can be accomplished, e.g., by designing electronic circuits to perform the operation, by programming programmable electronic circuits (such as microprocessors) to perform the operation, or any combination thereof. Further, while the embodiments described above may make reference to specific hardware components, those skilled in the art will appreciate that different combinations of hardware components may also be used and that particular operations described as being implemented in hardware might also be implemented in software or vice versa.

[0086] Thus, although the disclosure has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

[0087] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0088] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0089] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0090] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. Technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise defined. Any suitable materials and/or methodologies known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be utilized in carrying out the methods described herein.

[0091] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. As used herein, “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent on the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the context in which it is used, references to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree shall include variations of +/-10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

[0092] Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

[0093] The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

|0094] References to “or” can be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” can indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. A reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0095] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. The orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. [0097] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

]0098] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the term “a cell” includes a plurality of cells, including mixtures thereof.

[0099] As used herein, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value. The term “about” when used before a numerical designation, e.g., temperature, time, amount, and concentration, including range, indicates approximations which may vary by (+) or (-) 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, or 1 %.

[0100] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 5 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 5, from 3 to 5, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 5. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging system, comprising: a light source configured to illuminate a target area of an object using first light, to cause a fluorophore in the target area to emit second light in response to the first light; and a portable device, comprising: an optical component having: a first end structured to be arranged away from the target area of the object, a second end structured to be arranged toward the target area of the object, the second end configured to accept at least a portion of the second light from the fluorophore in at least the target area of the object, and a body configured to convey the second light from the second end to the first end; and a sensor optically coupled with the first end of the optical component, the sensor configured to generate an electrical signal using the second light received via the optical component.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device further comprises an interface coupled with the optical component, the interface configured to set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device further comprises a handle structured to be mountable on at least one hand of a user, the handle defining a cavity thermally coupled with the sensor to dissipate heat, the handle comprising a tactile structure configured to set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component via an interaction by the at least one hand.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical component further comprises at least one of (i) a lens configured to pass the second light from the second end to the first end or (ii) an optical fiber to carry the second light from the second end to the first end.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is further configured to send the electrical signal corresponding the second light to an imaging circuit, wherein the imaging circuit comprises one or more processors to process the electrical signal from the sensor, the imaging circuit situated remotely from the portable device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprising a beam shaper configured to distribute emission of the first light onto at least the target area of the object, the beam shaper arranged relative to the portable device to direct the first light to cause the fluorophore to emit the second light, wherein a range for a wavelength of the second light smaller than a range for a wavelength of the first light; and wherein the object comprises a biological tissue dyed with the fluorophore, wherein the fluorophore comprises at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB).

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a power supply electrically coupled with the portable device to provide electrical power to the sensor; and a thermal regulator thermally coupled with the portable device, the thermal regulator configured to dissipate heat generated by the sensor from within the portable device.

8. A device for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging, comprising: a housing defining an aperture; an optical component having: a first end structured to be optically coupled with the aperture of housing, a second end structured to be distal from the housing, the second end configured to accept at least a portion of light having a SWIR wavelength emitted by a fluorophore in at least a target area of an object, and a body configured to convey the light from the second end to the first end; and a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor optically coupled with the optical component via the aperture, the sensor configured to convert the light to an electrical signal corresponding to the light.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising an imaging circuit comprising one or more processors coupled with memory configured to process the electrical signal corresponding to the light, the imaging circuit disposed within the housing, the imaging circuit communicatively coupled with the sensor.

10. The device of claim 8, further comprising an optical filter optically coupled with at least one of the optical component or the sensor, the optical filter configured to at least partially suppress the emitted light outside a target wavelength, wherein the target wavelength ranges between 783 nm and 833 nm.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein the optical component further comprises at least one of (i) a lens configured to pass the light from the second end to the first end or (ii) an optical fiber to carry the light from the second end to the first end.

12. The device of claim 8, further comprising a handle structured to be coupled with at least one side of the housing, the handle configured to be held by at least one hand of a user, the handle comprising a tactile structure communicatively coupled with the optical component, the tactile structure configured to set at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component via an interaction by the at least one hand.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein the fluorophore in the target is configured to be excited in response to excitation light, and comprises at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB).

14. The device of claim 8, further comprising a power supply disposed within the housing, the power supply configured to store electrical power to provide to one or more components in the housing, and wherein the housing is isolated from a light source configured to illuminate a target area of an object, wherein the housing has a weight between 0.5 to 3 kg.

15. A method for shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging, comprising: arranging a first end of an optical component to be away from a target area of an object; arranging a second end of the optical component toward the target area of the object, the second end configured to (i) accept at least a portion of light emitted by a fluorophore in at least the target area of the object and (ii) pass the portion of the light to the first end; and optically coupling a sensor with the first end of the optical component, the sensor disposed in a housing mountable on a user, the sensor configured to convert the light to an electrical signal corresponding to the light.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising arranging a plurality of light sources, each of the plurality light sources configured to illuminate the target area of the object to cause excitation of the fluorophore to emit the light having a SWIR wavelength.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising communicatively coupling the sensor with an imaging circuit, the imaging circuit comprising one or more processors configured to process the electrical signal corresponding to the light.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising adjusting, via an interaction with a tactile structure, at least one of a focus, a zoom, or an iris size of the optical component.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising adding the fluorophore in the target area of the object, the fluorophore comprising at least one of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine green (IfCG), indocyanine blue (ICB), or bromophenol blue (BPB).

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the optical component further comprises at least one of (i) a lens configured to pass the second light from the second end to the first end or (ii) an optical fiber to carry the second light from the second end to the first end.