Metasurface-enabled probes for high-resolution optical coherence tomography
This technology is a compact, high-resolution, depth-resolved probe for noninvasive in vivo imaging at the microscopic scale.
Unmet Need: Optical coherence tomography has limited resolution and imaging depth
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, cross-sectional imaging method for biological tissue. One key trade-off in the OCT field is between lateral resolution and depth of focus: how clear the images are versus how deep they can be taken. A further constraint is that any optical tools used to enhance lateral resolution or depth of focus must be compact enough to fit on a fiber-optic probe. Therefore, there is a need for improved, compact OCT probes with both high spatial resolution and deep imaging capabilities.
The Technology: High-resolution probes with deep imaging capabilities
This technology puts forward an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe enhanced by a metasurface, which is a nanoscale flat optical element that manipulates light without the need for traditional lenses or filters. Combined with a needle beam, which is a narrow beam of light that remains focused over long distances, the enhanced probe can image deep into tissue with high resolution. Notably, the metasurface is the only physical optical component used to enhance the probe, whereas existing technologies use bulkier components, such as graded-index rods and microprisms.
This technology has been validated in USAF resolution targets, porcine cardiac tissue, and human breast tissue.
Applications:
- Diagnostic tool for retinopathies, cancer, skin diseases, and heart diseases
- Imaging probes for guiding surgery
- Research tools, such as fiber photometry, optogenetics, and two-photon imaging
- Improved optical elements for telecommunications or industrial sensors
Advantages:
- Combined high resolution and depth of focus for optical coherence tomography
- Single metasurface to improve imaging without other optical elements
- Reproducible and scalable fabrication and assembly
- Adaptable to a wide range of applications using fiber optics
Lead Inventors:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU26127
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu