Editorial Introduction to the JSTQE Issue on Biophotonics

Abstract

The papers in this special issues focus on the emerging field of biophotonics, one of the most extensively growing areas in biomedical technology that integrates state-of-the-art photonics techniques coming from the areas of quantum electronics, lasers, fiber optics and electro-optics to the life sciences and medicine. This field continues to vastly expand with advanced developments across the entire spectrum of biomedical applications ranging from fundamental laboratory studies to clinical patient diagnostics, bioimaging, biosensing and therapeutics. Recently developed innovative biophotonics technologies have made a significant impact on biomedical research and public health, since they provide advanced minimally invasive, cost-effective and rapid techniques for diagnostics, monitoring and treatment of a variety of diseases. Medical devices utilizing minimally invasive biophotonics technology are rapidly finding their way into the mainstream for early disease diagnosis and improved patient acceptance and comfort.