Segmented Light Guide for Multi-Site Biomedical Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging and optical neuromodulation techniques face challenges in achieving precise spatial and temporal control over light interactions with biological tissues, particularly in delicate areas like the human inner ear and brain, due to limitations in penetration depth, mechanical rigidity, and invasiveness of existing fiber optic and LED-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of spatial mode division multiplexing in flexible photonics technologies, utilizing a segmented light guide with multiple spatial modes that can be selectively excited and extracted at different locations, allowing for multi-channel optical imaging and stimulation with a compact, flexible, and scalable platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber bundles are used to increase the number of accessible interaction sites, then multi-site imaging and stimulation capability is improved, but the footprint and mechanical rigidity increase, making it difficult to image delicate tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light guide into multiple discrete segments along its length, with each segment capable of selectively emitting light at a specific location. This segmentation allows multi-site functionality while maintaining a thin, flexible overall structure that can navigate delicate tissues without the rigidity problems of traditional fiber bundles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from using multiple separate fibers (1D bundle) to using spatial mode multiplexing within a single waveguide (adding dimensional control through mode profiles). This allows multiple interaction sites to be accessed through modal differentiation rather than physical multiplication, reducing mechanical rigidity while maintaining multi-site capability.
2Shape
If a single optical fiber probe is used, then the probe size and invasiveness are reduced, but optical stimulation can only be performed at one spatial site
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple functional segments, each capable of independent light emission at different spatial locations. This allows a single thin probe to provide multi-site stimulation, combining the minimal invasiveness of a single-fiber probe with the multi-site capability previously requiring large fiber bundles.
Solution Approach 2:
Each segment of the light guide is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both deliver optical stimulation and collect emitted light for imaging. This dual functionality within a single segmented structure maximizes the utility of the minimal probe size while enabling both imaging and stimulation at multiple sites.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED arrays are used for spatially addressed optogenetic stimulation, then multi-site stimulation capability is improved, but heat generation leads to thermal damage to fragile neural tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces active LED devices with passive waveguide segments that deliver light without generating heat. By using passive optical structures rather than active optoelectronic components, the system achieves multi-site stimulation capability without the thermal damage risks associated with LED arrays in delicate neural tissues.
4Measurement precision
If scanning confocal microscopy is used, then imaging capability is improved, but penetration depth is limited by scattering and absorption in tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented light guide enables continuous multi-site imaging and stimulation along its length, rather than requiring sequential scanning. This continuous capability at multiple simultaneous locations overcomes the depth limitations of scanning confocal microscopy by allowing parallel optical interactions at multiple tissue depths and locations.
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 enables near-diffraction limit spatial resolution and sub-microsecond temporal control, facilitating safer and more precise imaging and stimulation of delicate tissues with reduced invasiveness, suitable for applications like auditory diagnosis and optogenetic neural interrogation.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide to receive and guide a plurality of spatial modes excited by at least one beam of light
Implementation Method 2
The light guide includes a first segment defining a first window to transmit a first spatial mode in the plurality of spatial modes into and out of the light guide
Implementation Method 3
The light guide also includes a second segment in optical communication with the first segment. The second segment defines a second window to transmit a second spatial mode in the plurality of spatial modes into and out of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel optical imaging and stimulation system includes a light source to deliver light beams into a light guide. Different light beams are coupled into different spatial modes supported by the light guide. The light guide includes multiple segments, each of which defines a window to couple a specified group of spatial modes out of the light guide to illuminate or stimulate a target. Light reflected, scattered, or emitted by the target is also collected by the windows in the light guide. The light collected by different windows is detected by different pixels of a detector, thereby creating a correspondence between the pixel location and the spatial location of site at which the light is collected. An image of the target is then reconstructed based on this correspondence.