Broad-spectrum chemiluminescence (CL) from 400 nm to 1400 nm was simultaneously generated from a mixture of visible and near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores by reaction with oxalyl chloride and hydrogen peroxide. By adjusting the proportions of each of the fluorophores, the white-NIR CL light could be generated and was used as a light source for tissue imaging. Samples of fresh peach leaf and a live mouse were examined under the white-NIR light using a colour camera and a NIR camera at the same time. The white-NIR CL light offered more comprehensive and in-depth information on the thin leaf tissues acquired by both the colour and NIR cameras. Owing to the presence of the NIR light, this unique light source can also be used for imaging of thick animal tissues. Therefore, the white-NIR CL can be considered and employed as a universal light source for use with various imaging techniques.
