By: Roeland Van Wijk, Eduard Van Wijk, Shroen Y, van der Greef J
Publication Name: Trends in Photochemistry & Photobiology
Year: 2013
Imaging of spatial distributions of ultra-weak spontaneous photon emission (UPE) in living systems started in the mid 1980’s in Japan. This chapter begins with a historic overview on the progression in sensitivity of the imaging technology allowing not only plants but also animal and human body parts to be imaged. Imaging was initially performed in small light-tight chambers using 2-dimensional photomultiplier tube systems. More recently, with the help of a charge-coupled device (CCD), larger body surface were imaged at some distance. A few recent examples on human body emission demonstrate specific emission patterns and suggest dynamic fluctuations within the pattern. Data further suggest slow fluctuations in emissions. The dynamic spatial UPE patterns allow to formulate novel hypotheses to research the biological energy systems underlying this fascinating light phenomenon and to evaluate the possibilities for a diagnostic perspective.