This document discusses using diffuse reflectance near infrared spectroscopy to analyze atherosclerotic plaque via an intracoronary device. It begins with an overview of spectroscopy and how light interacts with tissues. Near infrared spectroscopy can determine the chemical composition of plaque and has been used to measure pH, lactate, and other markers. The goal is to combine these techniques into a "photonic catheter" that can characterize plaque vulnerability in vivo by measuring temperature, pH, lactate and other physio-chemical properties, as well as structural features with contrast agents. The document outlines previous related research and a prototype intravascular near infrared spectroscopy catheter developed by the authors.