Latest technologies from The University of Arizona |
---|
A Gamma-ray Photon Counting Detector Based on Side-readout of Monolithic Scintillator Layers |
Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:17:27 GMT |
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a gamma-ray photon counting device that works similarly to PET, but with a novel architecture that improves the accuracy and speed in determining the location of the biological targets, and is less costly to manufacture.
Background:
Advantages:
Applications:
|
Method and Apparatus for In-Line Photoacoustic Imaging |
Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:52:03 GMT |
This technology is an optical system consisting of a right angle prism, or thin parallel plate, in conjunction with water, an index matching fluid, or some other liquid, that completely reflects acoustic waves to and from an array ultrasound transducer while being optically transparent. The geometry allows simultaneous direct illumination, with high-energy laser pulses, of the region imaged by the ultrasound transducer array. This extends the existing capabilities of an ultrasound transducer with the ability to acquire photoacoustic data. Background:
Application:
Status: issued U.S. Patent #8,879,352 - Ultrasonic/photoacoustic imaging devices and methods and U.S. Patent #10,241,199 - Ultrasonic/photoacoustic imaging devices and methods |
Photolithographic Method for Producing Acoustic Detectors |
Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:56:56 GMT |
This technology is a new method to produce hydrophone and acoustic detectors based on the acoustoelectric effect, rather the piezoelectric effect to create an electrical signal. The manufacturing method uses photolithographic techniques, offering finer control of the design and scale of the device. In order to produce detectors or hydrophones for ultrasound imaging and therapy, it is necessary to manufacture them on a fine scale (sub-millimeter to a few microns) by means of, for example, photolithographic techniques, which permit a much smaller feature size than previous acoustoelectric hydrophones. Techniques include: deposition of thin films by electron-beam deposition or electrolysis; spin-coating with photoresist, water-proofing agents, or other substances; exposure of photo-reactive agents under ultraviolet light through a mask; and etching of surfaces with layer-specific etchants. Previous publications have demonstrated proof-of-concept with relatively crude devices created with artisanal techniques, but none so far have reported actual results from an acoustoelectric hydrophone with this level of resolution, attributable to sub-millimeter feature sizes made in a clean-room environment.
Advantages:
|
Formulaic Imaging for Tissue Diagnosis |
Wed, 13 Nov 2013 14:52:38 GMT |
This patented system (U.S. Patent 9,952,157) uses a combination of green and blue fluorescence with reflectance, aimed at simple but effective contrast improvements through division, multiplication, subtraction and additions of individual images. To the best of our knowledge no other formulaic images system based on three or more components uses near-UV or mid-UV excitation. Synthetic formulaic images are computed with the goal to provide maximized contrast between lesions and surrounding normal tissue. Lesion refers to diseased tissue that includes but is not limited to cancer, pre-cancer, fibrosis, inflammation and ischemia. When implemented in endoscopy such computed formulaic images provides optimized lesion contrast, exceeding the contrast for normal white light visual observation without the need for labeling or manipulation of the tissue in a real-time manner. Application:
|
3D Printed Lens for Imaging in Falloposcope |
Tue, 15 Jun 2021 20:08:01 GMT |
This project proposes three improvements to a falloposcope under development. This falloposcope was designed with optical elements selected for detection of early stage ovarian cancer in fallopian tube epithelium. The data collected by the falloposcope is grounded in a growing body of medical research.
Background: Research includes examining early stage lesions on the surface of ovaries and fallopian tube epithelium. Access to the fallopian tubes through the cervix is an attraction option because it does not involve surgery; instead, falloposcopic examination can be done in a clinic with mild sedation. However, to be effective, a falloposcope must be small enough to pass through the narrow 1mm opening from the uterus to the proximal portion of the fallopian tube but it must have sufficient resolution and field of view to image the 4cm wide fimbral portion of the tube approximately 10cm away.
Applications:
Advantages:
|
Mode Scrambler for Increasing Numerical Aperture |
Thu, 14 Apr 2022 12:31:52 GMT |
This project is one of the three improvements to a falloposcope under development described in UA19-249. This falloposcope was designed with optical elements selected for detection of early stage ovarian cancer in fallopian tube epithelium. The mode scrambler improvement in this project acts to widen and brighten the illumination profile to better serve imaging the fallopian tube lumen. This is particularly important at the farther ends of the tubes, where the tubes branch into fingers. Cancer research has focused on the transfer of pre-cancerous lesions from the fallopian tube epithelium to the ovary surface at this interface.
Background: Although rare, ovarian cancer is often deadly because it is detected late. Pelvic ultrasounds and the CA-125 blood test are generally accurate for detecting late stage III-IV ovarian cancer, but the survival rates are less than 30%, compared with > 90% survival rates for cancer detected in early stages, I-II. Therefore, there is strong interest in developing better early detection screening procedures, particularly for high risk women with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation. A reliable early detection procedure would provide an option other than removal of all reproductive organs after 40 for high risk women. Current research includes examining early stage lesions on the surface of ovaries and fallopian tube epithelium. Access to the fallopian tubes through the cervix is an attractive option because it does not involve surgery; instead, falloposcopic examination can be done in a clinic with mild sedation. However, to be effective, a falloposcope must be small enough to pass through the narrow 1mm opening from the uterus to the proximal portion of the fallopian tube but it must have sufficient resolution and field of view to image the 4cm wide fimbral portion of the tube approximately 10cm away.
Other companies using fiber optics have employed similar methods for achieving changed illumination profiles though not in the field of endoscopic examination of the fallopian tubes for early cancer screening.
Applications:
Advantages:
|
Imaging Human Respiratory Gas Patterns, Volume, Rate and Carbon Dioxide |
Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:17:27 GMT |
This invention is a multi-camera-based system that can produce 3-dimensional (3D) images of human respiratory gas patterns, volume, rate and carbon dioxide (CO2) content through two complementary imaging techniques, combined with 3D computerized models of gas flow. Current evaluation of respiratory distress and failure uses cumbersome and relatively invasive pulmonary function tests (e.g. spirometry, lung volume, lung diffusion capacity, etc.). However, patients with severe ARDS may be unconscious or too weak to effectively perform these tests and cannot be transported to testing equipment. Furthermore, administering these tests requires close contact of healthcare personnel with patients, which increases the risk for healthcare personnel contracting a viral infection. This invention has the ability to safely monitor COVID patients for ARDS before major complications set in that can be fatal.
Advantages:
COVID, COVID-19, COVID19, Coronavirus |
Calibration Method for Photon Counting Detectors |
Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:29:00 GMT |
This technology is a calibration method that could be a game changer for adoption of photon counting-based imagery. It solves long-standing challenges in the calibration of detectors used in medical imaging devices and is also useful for security screenings and other imaging photon counting detectors. The method is simple to use, requires less time than conventional calibration methods, and is easy to implement, while also pushing the current state of the art into additional applications.
Background:
Applications:
Advantages:
Status: issued U.S. patent #11,531,126 |
Lensfree Microscopy for Ultrafine Particulate Matter Monitoring |
Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:34:23 GMT |
This system monitors ultrafine particulate matter and pollution in the air using compact, inexpensive, and portable devices, which enable time-resolved measurements particle sizes. It could be used to implement a dense network of devices, which provide ultra-precise real-time monitoring of air content and quality levels.
|
Perceptual-Driven Foveated Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Displays |
Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:16:43 GMT |
This invention consists of the design and embodiments of a statically optical see through head mounted displays (OST-HMDs) in which the angular pixel density decreases with the increase of the filed eccentricity according to a specified angular pixel density function.
|
Integrated Frequency Locked Optical Whispering Evanescent Resonator (FLOWER) based on Raspberry Pi |
Mon, 11 Mar 2019 13:08:15 GMT |
Raspberry Pi is a card-sized mini-computer, which acts as a data processing center that replaces the prior commercial frequency locking system. It greatly reduces the size and the weight of the FLOWER system, making it possible for the FLOWER system to be carried by people or mounted on a drone. FLOWER (frequency locked optical whispering evanescent resonator) is a patented system, which can measure low concentrations of biological and chemical molecules down to the single molecule limit. Although FLOWER is able to sense low concentrations of molecules, it occupies a large footprint and currently fits on a 4’ x 6’ optical table in the lab. This technology miniaturizes FLOWER, making it lightweight and portable.
COVID, COVID-19, COVID19, Coronavirus |
Microcavity Surface Bioconjugation Using Unilamellar Lipid Membranes For Label Free, Ultrasensitive Detection Of Alzheimer's Biomarkers |
Mon, 11 Mar 2019 11:07:58 GMT |
This invention outlines a new way of preparing a microtoroid optical resonator for the purpose of detecting amyloid-β plaque. Traditional ways of surface functionalization leave roughness on the optical resonator, making it difficult to achieve a higher Q-factor. This invention provides a new way of smoothing the surface of a resonator so that ultrasensitive detection can be achieved, providing high Q-factors as well as reduced scattering loss, which is important when detecting key biomarkers such as amyloid-β.
This has potential application in biomarker detection for patients with COVID-19, as well as vaccine research. Optical resonators are a key component of biosensors that are used in many different applications. However, the resonator has to have a smooth surface to allow the capture of light at different wavelengths. The ability of a resonator to capture light effectively is referred to as its Q-factor (quality factor). Traditional ways of smoothing the surface of a resonator still leave too much residual roughness that leads to a lower q-factor, and thus less accurate detection of biomarkers.
Applications:
COVID, COVID-19, COVID19, Coronavirus |
Photothermal Microscopy Using Whispering Gallery Microcavities |
Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:45:23 GMT |
This invention uses a photothermal spectroscopy method to detect and identify individual molecules/particles without the use of fluorescent tags or radioactive ligands. Whispering gallery optical sensor technologies are on the cutting edge of biosensing technology. Photothermal microscopy has found applications in diverse fields, including materials science, nanotechnology, biology, and medicine, offering valuable insights into thermal transport phenomena, photothermal interactions, and thermal properties of complex structures.
|
Technique for Replication of Volume Holographic Optical Elements |
Thu, 06 Sep 2018 08:55:04 GMT |
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a method to replicate holographic optical elements (HOEs) in a manner that eliminates the problems with contact copy techniques, and introduces additional functionalities not possible to achieve with those techniques. UArizona's novel process replicates volume HOEs based on optical contact with the master HOE. Unlike common industry variants, no physical contact is required between the master HOE and the copy HOE.
Background:
Applications:
Advantages:
Status: issued U.S. patent #11,714,382 |
Polarization Preserving Bidirectional Isolator |
Sat, 31 Mar 2018 15:57:10 GMT |
This invention is a bidirectional isolator that can be a stand-alone component, or used to stabilize the output of a bi-directional ultra fast fiber laser. The use of the isolator in such a laser allows the various modes to oscillate with fixed phases with respect to one another and constructively interfere with one another, producing an intense burst or pulse of light.
Background:
Applications:
Status: issued U.S. patent #11,715,925 |
Method and Apparatus for Snapshot 3D Imaging of Mechanical Structure at Resonance Frequency |
Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:40:53 GMT |
This invention is a method and apparatus that can measure the mechanical resonance and mode shape of a mechanical structure. The apparatus can provide important information regarding the structure of an object under different loading and operating conditions. This can help designers and engineers to create a robust mechanical design, to verify the results from their frequency analysis with the final design of the structure, and to monitor change during different operating conditions.
|
High Refractive Optical Polymers from Vinylic Sulfide Monomers Amenable to Photoprocessing |
Mon, 17 Sep 2018 14:47:12 GMT |
This invention is a new class of hybrid inorganic-organic polymer chemistry for synthesizing high refractive index optical polymers. Monomers for these materials comprise vinylic groups linked to a protecting group capable of being cleaved upon application of an external stimulus. The refractive index of the polymer may be changed during the process of polymerization by the external stimuli. This invention provides an attractive and low cost alternative for polymeric optical devices that require variable and high refractive index materials and allows for facile fabrication of polymer waveguide devices, including for use as optical interconnects. The material may be used in a wide range of IR applications, including for short-wave infrared and mid-wave infrared.
Background:
Applications:
Advantages:
US Patent Granted No. 11,685,797
|
Trapezoidal Shim for Segmented Optics Assembly |
Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:31:45 GMT |
Researchers at the University of Arizona have designed a paradigm-shifting space telescope technology. The technology produces ultra-lightweight, transmissive lenses that are fabricated economically in segments. The novel aspects of the technology facilitate quick assembly with very high precision alignment.
Background:
Advantages:
|
Kinematically Engaged Yoke System |
Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:31:05 GMT |
This technology is a new alignment, co-phasing and assembly approach called KEYS (Kinematically Engaged Yoke System) that uses intrinsic surface profiles of multiple order diffraction (MOD) optical segments. The technology is composed of a harness that has negatively shaped semi-kinematic “keys” which fits the MOD-side-step-like mechanical profile that is manufactured with high optical precision.
Status: issued U.S. patent #11,204,509 |
Smartphone-Based Ophthalmic Examination System |
Fri, 10 Jun 2016 09:55:24 GMT |
This patented smartphone-based ophthalmic examination device is coupled with accessories and software applications for ocular diagnosis. This multi-operative device/system possesses many capabilities for preliminary ocular examinations namely; (bio-) microscope or opthalmoscope function, ophthalmic slit-lamp, a pupillometer, fundoscope, scheimpflug camera, and stereo imaging (stereo-photo) device. This device/system is intended to be portable and handheld as well as compatible with telemedicine.
|
rssfeedwidget.com |