Omega Optical Inc. announced that it has won a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award from the National Cancer Institute to develop a high-speed fiber optic-based optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) that will be interfaced to confocal scanning microscopy and endoscopy systems. Teaming up with Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Spectral Molecular Imaging (SMI), the companies will evaluate and further develop the capability using animal models in conjunction with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Principal investigators of the project are Dr. Gary Carver, director of research at Omega Optical, and Dr. Daniel L. Farkas, chairman and CEO of SMI. Generating spectra in microseconds, the new OSA will provide cost-effective, clinic-friendly multispectral option to confocal optical scanning systems. The technology will enable early in vivo detection and treatment of cancer at the cellular level. Omega Optical designs and manufactures custom and stock interference filters for biomedical instrumentation and fluorescence applications. SMI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cascade Technologies Inc., is a development-stage, medical imaging device company that uses proprietary and patented technology for improved clinical diagnostics, imaging, identification and analysis of molecular, cellular and tissue features. For more information, visit: www.omegafilters.com or www.spectralmi.com