###### Abstract
Additionally, the SWIR range offers distinguishable light absorption spectra for key constituents of biological tissues, such as water, collagen, and lipids, making certain that SWIR techniques are sensitive and specific to both structural and molecular disease-induced anomalies [4]. This technology enables the visualization of specific biomarkers, molecular structures, and physiological dynamics within the body, providing a wealth of patient-specific data. SWIR techniques have great potential to contribute significantly to the development of individualized biomedical tools that can adapt to the distinct needs of each patient, offering both deep and high-resolution insights, which facilitate precise diagnostics and treatments in a patient-centric healthcare landscape. Traditionally, the visible spectrum (400-700 nm) has been employed for imaging tissue in vivo, but its effectiveness is curtailed by the high scattering and absorption of visible light resulting in blurred images and limited penetration depth. To address these limitations for in vivo imaging, taking into account the inverse relationship between Rayleigh scattering and the wavelength of light, imaging at longer wavelengths has proven advantageous in terms of extending the imaging depth [5]. While these advantages are offered by both near infrared (NIR) (700-1000 nm) and SWIR (1000-1700 nm) ranges, the eventual imaging performance is better at the SWIR range when imaging bulky tissues. This advantage occurs in media where light scattering dominates light absorption, as in the case with bulky tissue. Therefore, there is an enhancement of image resolution since the reduction of light scattering at the longer SWIR wavelengths outweighs the enhancements offered by the smaller focal spot size (i.e., Airy disk size) at the shorter NIR wavelengths [5; 6; 7]. Figure 1 highlights the differences between captured in vivo images of mouse brain vasculature in NIR and SWIR. In addition to image resolution, utilizing longer SWIR wavelengths offer less autofluorescence and less absorption of light by the dominant constituents of biological tissues such as blood, fat, and melanin, which eventually leads to larger light penetration/imaging depths in biological tissues (\(\sim\) 6 mm). From a clinical perspective, the existing biomedical imaging systems (i.e., MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound) grapple with inherent limitations that impact their comprehensive utility in clinical environments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) excels in providing detailed soft tissue images but faces challenges related to limited spatial resolution and prolonged scan times. X-ray imaging, while widely used for its ability to penetrate tissues and visualize bones, is constrained by its ionizing radiation and/or need for contrast agents, limiting its frequent application. Ultrasound, although valuable for real-time imaging and lack of ionizing radiation, encounters challenges with providing detailed anatomical information. In contrast, SWIR imaging emerges as a transformative solution, leveraging its unique ability to provide real-time high-resolution images using a safe frequency range for the radiation of light. Recent technological advancements have made it possible to explore imaging beyond visible range with the introduction of commercially available SWIR cameras. This progress is attributed to improved fabrication of Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs)-based sensors, resulting in relatively cost-effective SWIR cameras with heightened sensitivity and resolution. It should be noted that previously, SWIR cameras were primarily restricted for military use due to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). During this period, non-military applications only had access to line scan SWIR cameras, which were used in medical sensing and imaging devices utilizing spectrometers.