Abstract

Photosensitizers which preferentially accumulate in tumors are used for photochemical destruction of malignant turners following laser excitation (photodynamic therapy). In addition, laser-induced photosensitizer fluorescence can be used for localization and imaging of tumors. However, interpretation of fluorescence images is often hampered by background originating from laser-induced tissue fluorescence (autofluorescence). We demonstrate that imaging by lime-delayed fluorescence allows suppression of background within the photosensitizer fluorescence band, caused by tissue autofluorescence.

© 1991 Optical Society of America