Upconversion raster scanning microscope for long-wavelength infrared imaging of breast cancer microcalcifications.

Long-wavelength identification of microcalcifications in breast cancer tissue is demonstrated using a novel upconversion raster scanning microscope. The system consists of quantum cascade lasers (QCL) for illumination and an upconversion system for efficient, high-speed detection using a silicon detector. Absorbance spectra and images of regions of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) from the breast have been acquired using both upconversion and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) systems. The spectral images are compared and good agreement is found between the upconversion and the FTIR systems.