Meta-optics for Diffuse Optical Tomography Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffuse optical tomography (DOT) systems are slow, difficult to use, not portable, and have poor image quality due to their large size, high computational requirements, and the need for numerous fiber cables and detectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a DOT device with structures that cause diffraction, refraction, or filtering of radiation, such as nanoantennas and metasurfaces, to improve signal-to-noise ratio, reduce noise, and minimize the number of sources and detectors required, while using a substrate to mount sources and detectors directly on the tissue, eliminating the need for fiber cables and enabling miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fiber-coupled LEDs and photodiodes are used in DOT systems, then the system can perform diffuse optical tomography imaging, but the system becomes large, slow, difficult to use, not portable, and has poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fiber-optic coupling system with direct integration of micro-LEDs and photodiodes onto a single substrate. This substitution eliminates the need for complex fiber cable assemblies and mechanical alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing device size and complexity while improving portability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light source (micro-LED) and detector (photodiode) functionalities onto a single integrated substrate, eliminating the need for separate fiber-optic connections between sources and detectors. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies the system architecture, and improves image quality by enabling more precise control of the imaging geometry.
2Reliability
If numerous fiber cables and detectors are used to improve detection capability, then more radiation can be detected, but the system becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber-cable-based detection system with an integrated substrate approach where photodiodes are directly mounted on the same substrate as the micro-LEDs. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous fiber cables and complex routing, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability through precise geometric control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the mechanical support structure, the electrical connection medium, and the geometric reference frame for both light sources and detectors. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable detection capability.
3Productivity
If traditional DOT systems are used with fiber-coupled components, then imaging can be performed, but the systems are slow and have high computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary geometric configuration by fixing the relative positions of micro-LEDs and photodiodes on a rigid substrate before imaging. This pre-established geometric relationship eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment calculations and reduces computational requirements during image reconstruction, thereby improving imaging speed and reducing processing power demands.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances image quality, reduces computational burden, and allows for handheld and endoscopic applications, while maintaining or improving the ability to differentiate between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and detect other tissue types without increasing size or computational power.
Implementation Method 1
The structures cause diffraction, refraction, or filtering of the radiation entering the detectors
Implementation Method 2
The structures cause diffraction, refraction, or filtering of the radiation entering the detectors
Implementation Method 3
The structures cause diffraction, refraction, or filtering of the radiation entering the detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatuses for diffuse optical tomography (DOT) are disclosed herein. A DOT device includes a substrate, one or more radiation sources, a plurality of detectors, and structures disposed over the second surface of the plurality of detectors. The one or more radiation sources are disposed over or under a surface of the substrate. Each detector of the plurality of detectors has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite the second surface. The first surface of the plurality of detectors disposed over or under the surface of the substrate. The method of DOT method of includes emitting and scattering radiation from one or more sources of a DOT device; detecting scattered radiation with a plurality of detectors of the DOT device; and translating the scattered radiation that is detected into data.