Optical Imaging: Trends, Impact, and Application in Medical and Biomedical Diagnostics

Dear Colleagues,

Optical imaging has emerged as a transformative force in medical and biomedical diagnostics, offering unprecedented insights into cellular and molecular processes with remarkable precision, helping researchers, clinicians, and doctors understand the biological process with high precision and assisting them to make informed diagnostic conclusions. This Special Issue delves into the dynamic landscape of optical imaging, exploring the latest trends, assessing its profound impact, and uncovering its diverse applications in the ever-evolving field of medical diagnostics.

The trajectory of optical imaging technologies has witnessed a paradigm shift propelled by continuous advancements in instrumentation and methodologies, from Traditional Fluorescence Microscopy (FM), Ultrasound Imaging, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to cutting-edge techniques like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Multiphoton Microscopy (MPM), Confocal Fluorescence Imaging, Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM), Micro-Computed Tomography (µCT), Conebeam Computed Tomography (CBCT), and Endoscopy. Wiith similar emerging optical techniques, this issue captures the essence of these trends. The assimilation of artificial intelligence and machine learning into optical imaging workflows further amplifies its diagnostic capabilities, presenting a new era of intelligent medical imaging.

The impact of optical imaging on medical and biomedical diagnostics cannot be overstated. Its non-invasive nature, high resolution, and ability to provide real-time data empower clinicians and researchers alike. This Special Issue explores studies and breakthroughs where optical imaging has played a pivotal role in early disease detection, therapeutic monitoring, and personalized medicine.

In the realm of medical diagnostics, optical imaging finds diverse applications. It helps in understanding intricate biological processes, aids in understanding disease mechanisms at the cellular level, and facilitates the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, optical imaging technologies have found a niche in intraoperative guidance, offering surgeons unprecedented views during procedures.

This Special Issue hopes to bring together a collection of articles that reflect the multifaceted impact of optical imaging. It will serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, clinicians, and professionals engaged in pushing the boundaries of medical and biomedical diagnostics. As we navigate the complex interplay of optical imaging trends, their profound impact, and their wide-ranging applications, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the pivotal role these technologies play in shaping the future of healthcare.

We welcome experts and young aspiring researchers, clinicians, and doctors alike who are users of optical imaging techniques to contribute and explore the current trends’ convergence with translational potential, providing resonating impact and applications to inspire new frontiers in medical and biomedical diagnostics.

Dr. Naresh Kumar Ravichandran
Guest Editor

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• vascular and tumor imaging
• drug testing
• blood flow characterization
• tissue characterization and cell migration analysis
• fluorescence microscopy (FM)
• optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• ultrasound imaging (sonography)
• multiphoton microscopy (MPM)
• photoacoustic tomography (PAT)
• computed tomography (CT)
• conebeam computed tomography (CBCT)
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• endoscopy
• scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
• super-resolution microscopy
• hyperspectral imaging
• diffuse optical tomography
• spectroscopy
• structured illumination microscopy (SIM)
• laser doppler imaging
• artificial intelligence
• machine learning
• algorithm development