Special Section Guest Editorial: Pioneer in Biomedical Optics: Introduction to the Special Section in Honor of Steven L. Jacques

This guest editorial introduces the special section honoring Prof. Steven L. Jacques. We present this special section of the Journal of Biomedical Optics in honor of Steven L. Jacques, PhD, a leading pioneer in the field of biomedical optics. In the late eighties, Steve was part of a small group of researchers from various disciplines who clearly saw the potential of light and optics for new approaches to medical diagnostics and treatment of various diseases. Since then the field has grown exponentially and biomedical optics has become an integral part in many medical disciplines. Through his work and many seminal contributions, Steve has actively shaped this development.