Abstract: Disclosed are methods and materials for obtaining spatially resolved images of specific types of tissues. The method for imaging tissue comprises administering to the tissue a deuterated imaging agent and performing spectroscopy, preferably Raman spectroscopy. Electromagnetic radiation, such as a near infrared laser beam, is directed to a tissue of interest. The radiation can be scanned across and within the tissue of interest. When used in combination with a light collection system, it is possible to map out a specific volume of tissue, obtaining information regarding the distribution of specific endogenous chemical species. In some embodiments, specific imaging agents are employed to impart contrast between chemically different types of tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for obtaining feedback to drive a servo system for aligning and maintaining alignment in optical systems that bring light to an in vivo skin sample, for adjusting the focus of the optical system, and for adjusting the net depth of focus of the optical system within the in vivo system under characterization. The invention additionally provides a method for obtaining feedback to drive a servo system for aligning and maintaining alignment in optical systems that collect light from an in vivo skin sample, and for adjusting the focus of the optical system. These methods comprise adjusting the angle of incidence of electromagnetic radiation and/or providing a shielding lens to block scattered incident light, or otherwise limiting the field of view of the Raman scattered radiation collection system to exclude optical surfaces of the excitation delivery portion of the optical system. Also provided is a method for identifying spectroscopic depth markers in tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue modulation device for use dining spectroscopy of tissue of a subject. In one embodiment, the device comprises an inner sheath, an outer sheath and a window disposed through the inner and outer sheaths, wherein the inner and outer sheaths comprise a sufficiently flexible material that the device can be secured to a region of tissue to be spectroscopically probed, wherein the inner and outer sheaths are joined to one another so that at least one temperature regulating element can be disposed between the inner and outer sheaths, and wherein the window is sufficiently transparent that electromagnetic radiation can be delivered to and collected from an underlying tissue through the inner and outer sheaths. The invention additionally provides a method of modulating temperature of tissue in a subject to be spectroscopically probed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for noninvasively measuring blood volume and analyte concentration and for obtaining spectroscopic information relating to immobile tissues, such as skin. One method is for determining concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in blood of a subject. The method comprises irradiating a region of tissue, such as a fingertip, of the subject with a light source; collecting fluorescence spectra emitted by the region of tissue, the quantity of fluorescence spectra being indicative of blood volume; and collecting Raman spectra emitted by the region of tissue at a wavelength range that corresponds to the analyte. The method further comprises dividing the collected Raman spectra by the collected fluorescence spectra to obtain a number proportional to the concentration of analyte per unit blood volume.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue modulation device comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface comprises a recessed region adjacent to a raised region, wherein the device is optically transparent in at least one of the recessed region or the raised region, wherein application of a first portion of a tissue to the raised region depresses the first portion of the tissue relative to a second portion of the tissue that is in apposition to the recessed region, and wherein the optically transparent region of the device is curved at the lower surface to substantially reduce backscattered light in a light path traveling through the optically transparent region to a light collection system. Also disclosed is a method of noninvasive spectroscopic measurement of an analyte in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring an analyte in a tissue of a subject. The method comprises contacting the tissue with electromagnetic radiation having a first excitation wavelength, wherein the first excitation wavelength is substantially equal to an absorption wavelength of a temperature probe within the tissue. The temperature probe and the analyte are sufficiently proximate to one another that energy deposited into one by absorption of radiation is transferred to the other. The Raman spectra emitted by the tissue are collected and analyzed to determine a concentration of analyte present in the tissue. The analysis can comprise measuring the Raman spectra associated with the temperature probe.

Abstract: A data storage process which includes an erasable high speed, high density, storage medium having a transition metal oxide layer where said oxide layer is capable of undergoing an optically readable chemical change when simultaneously exposed to heat and to light of a selected wavelength. An optically readable image is formed in selected regions of the oxide layer under ambient conditions which include O.sub.2 by simultaneously exposing said layer to heat and to radiation in the blue-green or shorter wavelength spectrum. The image is erased by heating the entire medium using a furnace or by heating selected portions with IR radiation.

Abstract: A data storage process which includes an erasable high speed, high density, storage medium having a transition metal oxide layer where said oxide layer is capable of undergoing an optically readable chemical change when simultaneously exposed to heat and to light of a selected wavelength. An optically readable image is formed in selected regions of the oxide layer under ambient conditions which include O.sub.2 by simultaneously exposing said layer to heat and to radiation in the blue-green or shorter wavelength spectrum. The image is erased by heating the entire medium using a furnace or by heating selected portions with IR radiation.

Abstract: A thin platinum film which is both conductive and transparent is produced by laser chemical vapor deposition of a suitable organometallic compound, such as allyl cyclopentadienyl platinum. After deposition, the film is annealed to increase the relative abundance of platinum with respect to carbon. The film can be further conditioned by electrically cycling the same in a bath of sulfuric acid.