Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include systems, methods, and compositions for the intra-operative detection of target tissue. At least one embodiment includes a fluorescence detection instrument that may be used for intra-operative detection of a fluorescent targeting agent, its binding site, and its interaction within cancer tissues. An exemplary embodiment is highly sensitive to the local deposition of fluorescence agents even at a low concentration. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a handheld navigation instrument that is usable to excite, detect, and report the fluorescent deposition of the targeting agent in real-time. In alternative embodiments, the system includes a wearable unit to excite, detect, and visually report the fluorescent deposition of the targeting agent to the user. The wearable unit includes eyewear that allow the user to perform image-guided surgery based on the near real-time fluorescence detection of the fluorescent targeting agent.

Abstract: The present invention includes carbon synthesis devices and systems. The invention also includes machines and instruments using those aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods of carbon synthesis. The present invention includes an array of carbon nanotubes, each nanotube having a longitudinal axis. The nanotubes are placed into an array such that the longitudinal axes of all nanotubes in the array are substantially parallel. The array may be a two-dimensional array or a three-dimensional array. The present invention also includes methods of preparing such carbon molecular clusters and arrays thereof.