PHOTOTHERMAL INFRARED-SPECTROSCOPY - APPLICATIONS TO MEDICINE

The nondestructive depth profiling capability of photoacoustic spectro scopy is being exploited in the characterization of the infrared spect ra of tissue biopsy samples. In this paper, the versatility of the tec hnique is demonstrated. Brain tissues are depth profiled to establish the extent of the effects of solvent delipidation on the samples. The same technique can be applied to calcified tissues, bone, and teeth. A s an example, a human tooth is depth profiled using photoacoustic spec troscopy. The mid-infrared depth profile of the tooth provides informa tion on the integrity of the enamel and general health of the outer po rtions of the tooth.