Initial non‑invasive in vivo sensing of the lung using time domain diffuse optics

The in vivo diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disorders (caused for example by emphysema, Covid‑19, immature lung tissue in infants) could be effectively supported by the non‑invasive sensing of the lung through light. With this purpose, we investigated the feasibility of probing the lung by means of time‑resolved diffuse optics, leveraging the increased depth (a few centimeters) attained by photons collected after prolonged propagation time (a few nanoseconds). We present an initial study that includes measurements performed on 5 healthy volunteers during a breathing protocol, using a time‑resolved broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy system. Those measurements were carried out across the spectral range of 600–1100 nm at a source‑detector distance of 3 cm, and at 820 nm over a longer distance (7–9 cm). The preliminary analysis of the in vivo data with a simplified homogeneous model revealed a maximum probing depth of 2.6–3.9 cm, suitable for reaching the lung. Furthermore, we observed variations in signal associated with respiration, particularly evident at long photon propagation times. However, challenges stemming from both intra‑ and inter‑subject variability, along with inconsistencies potentially arising from conflicting scattering and absorption effects on the collected signal, hindered a clear interpretation. Aspects that require further investigation for a more comprehensive understanding are outlined.