Biophotonics for All: Light transport through tissue

Biophotonics is becoming increasingly prominent in value and visibility. What was predominantly an advanced field of research is now being included increasingly in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. To increase biophotonics-related STEM awareness, we developed a simple demonstration kit using LEDs and a camera that allows visualising of the blood vessels beneath the skin (specifically the blood vessels in the fingers). The kit uses inexpensive blue, green, red and near-infrared LEDs to show the absorption of shorter wavelengths and transmission of longer wavelengths in the skin. As an outreach and educational tool, this demonstration kit will illustrate the potential of using light for diagnostics.