Advanced Neural Tissue Imaging System

Abstract

This invention provides a nerve tissue imaging system and a method for doing so. [Solution] The system comprises a housing containing an excitation light source optically coupled to a light source array, the excitation light source emitting excitation light in a first wavelength region of the near-ultraviolet region to irradiate a target tissue area including healthy nerve tissue and healthy non-nerve tissue. The excitation light is in the first wavelength region, causing healthy nerve tissue to intrinsically autofluoresce in response to irradiation with the excitation light, emitting a first autofluorescence light at a first brightness in a second wavelength region. Healthy non-nerve tissue, in response to irradiation with the excitation light, either avoids emitting any autofluorescence light in the second wavelength region, or intrinsically autofluoresces, emitting a second autofluorescence light in the second wavelength region at a second brightness 50% lower than the first brightness.

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