Welcome to the Section on Biomedical Optics!

We develop models, methods, and devices for understanding and controlling light interactions with biological tissues.  These methods are used to perform real-time quantitative measurements of clinically-relevant information, including: tissue blood flow, oxygen extraction, metabolic rate of oxygen consumption, and body/tissue composition (lean mass, hydration, and fat mass). 

Our technology development effort includes portable, bedside, non-contact, and wearable sensor platforms, as well as the design and integration of probes into instruments for minimally invasive surgical feedback and guidance. Advanced capabilities include continuous dynamic monitoring of intrinsic physiological signals that can be used in feedback optimization for guiding therapies and clinical decision making.  To learn more about how these technologies are being applied at the NIH Clinical Center, visit our research page.