Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras

Quadratic Electro-optic Based Deflection-free Wide Path-length Modulation and Lateral Scanning Device for Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Technology Category/Market

Category– Medical and Surgical/ Non Destructive Testing

Applications –Test Equipments, NDE, Biomedical systems, Sensors, Medical imaging

Industry- Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare

Market -The global medical imaging market size was valued at USD 32.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Image

Problem Statement

  • Conventional systems involving FDOCT, Spectral Domain OCT (SDOCT) and Swept Source OCT (SSOCT), offers rapid axial scanning capabilities without mechanical components.
  • However, it presents challenges such as substantial data processing requirements and the need for high-resolution spectrometers and line-scan cameras for imaging deep tissues, making the detection system bulky and complex

Technology

The present invention discloses electro-optic systems capable of performing axial, lateral, multi-dimensional, and even three-dimensional imaging

The said  electro-optic system for axial scanning of a sample comprising of:

  • A light source producing a light beam
  • A detector and an interferometer connected to the light source, where Interferometer includes a polarizer
  • A beam splitter that divides the light beam into two beams.
  • Sample defining a sample arm.
  • Electro-optic crystal maintained at a fixed temperature and linked to a voltage source within the reference arm
  • At least one electro-optic crystal is maintained at a predetermined temperature within the sample arm.
  • Involves utilization of two sets of electro-optic crystals, where each  set is maintained at two predetermined temperatures.
  • The sample used is electro-optic crystal (6) is KTN crystal of the formula KTa1-xNbxO3

Different types of imaging of imaging can be performed with the described electro-optic systems, include :

Axial Scanning Imaging:

  • Allows for imaging along the axial (depth) direction of the sample and provides insights into the internal structure and composition of the sample.

Lateral Scanning Imaging:

  • Enables imaging in two dimensions, typically the x and y axes useful for capturing cross-sectional or planar views of the sample’s surface or structure.

Multi-Dimensional Imaging:

  • Combines axial and lateral scanning, allowing for 3D imaging and provides a comprehensive view of the sample in terms of depth and lateral dimensions.

Key Features/Value Proposition

Technical Perspective:

  • A high speed axial and lateral scanning device for time domain optical coherence(TCOCT) system that enables non-mechanical noiseless imaging
  • Interferometric imaging provides highly sensitive and can reveal fine details and subtle changes in the sample, also allows for precise measurement of optical path differences and variations
  • Involves less data processing and does not have constraints on depth imaging .
  • Polarized Imaging uses  polarizers and quarter-wave plates to manipulate the polarization state of the light beam that can reveal information about the sample’s optical properties and anisotropy

User Perspective:

  • Versatile technique  and can be used for both biological samples that include tissue analysis or cellular imaging as well as non-biological samples.
  • Offers a range of imaging modalities, making them valuable tools for scientific research, medical diagnostics, and materials characterization
Questions about this Technology?

Contact for Licensing

Research Lab

Prof. Nilesh Jayantilal Vasa

Department  of Engineering Design

Prof. Sarathi R

Department  of Electrical Engineering

Intellectual Property

  • IITM IDF Ref. 1448
  • IN380174-Granted

Technology Readiness Level

TRL- 4

Technology Validated in the lab

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