New Fiber-Optic Imaging Probe for More Effective Diagnoses of Various Diseases
Written by AZoOpticsMay 3 2021
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have designed a new ultrasonic imaging system that can be installed on the tip of a hair-thin optical fiber. The system can even be inserted into the human body to observe cell anomalies in 3D.
Conventional microscope pictures of model biological cells (top). The phonon probe reproduces 3D images of the objects (color is height). Simultaneously, the probe detected stiffness-related measurements which are mapped in green on the top left image (bottom). The white scale bars are 10 micrometers long. Image Credit: University of Nottingham.
Home > Press > World s first fiber-optic ultrasonic imaging probe for future nanoscale disease diagnostics
Concept art showing the 3D mapping of microscopic objects by the phonon probe system. The optical fibre contains a metal layer on its tip and projects red laser light into the specimen
CREDIT
Dr Salvatore La Cavera
Abstract:
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed an ultrasonic imaging system, which can be deployed on the tip of a hair-thin optical fibre, and will be insertable into the human body to visualise cell abnormalities in 3D.
World s first fiber-optic ultrasonic imaging probe for future nanoscale disease diagnostics
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IMAGE: Concept art showing the 3D mapping of microscopic objects by the phonon probe system. The optical fibre contains a metal layer on its tip and projects red laser light into. view more
Credit: Dr Salvatore La Cavera
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed an ultrasonic imaging system, which can be deployed on the tip of a hair-thin optical fibre, and will be insertable into the human body to visualise cell abnormalities in 3D.
The new technology produces microscopic and nanoscopic resolution images that will one day help clinicians to examine cells inhabiting hard-to-reach parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, and offer more effective diagnoses for diseases ranging from gastric cancer to bacterial meningitis.
30th April 2021 11:08 am 30th April 2021 11:08 am
Diseases including gastric cancer and bacterial meningitis could be diagnosed with a
fibre-optic ultrasonic imaging probe developed at Nottingham University.
Prototype phonon probe system (Image: Nottingham University)
Claimed to be a world first, the ultrasonic imaging system, which can be deployed on the tip of a thin optical fibre, will be insertable into the human body to visualise cell abnormalities in 3D.
The new technology produces microscopic and nanoscopic resolution images likely to help clinicians to examine cells inhabiting hard-to-reach parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract.
The EPSRC-funded device is said to deliver a level of performance only possible in advanced research labs. It also reduces the need for conventional fluorescent labels, which can be harmful to human cells in large doses. The findings are detailed in
Date Time
World’s first fibre-optic ultrasonic imaging probe for future nanoscale disease diagnostics
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed an ultrasonic imaging system, which can be deployed on the tip of a hair-thin optical fibre, and will be insertable into the human body to visualise cell abnormalities in 3D.
The new technology produces microscopic and nanoscopic resolution images that will one day help clinicians to examine cells inhabiting hard-to-reach parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, and offer more effective diagnoses for diseases ranging from gastric cancer to bacterial meningitis.
The high level of performance the technology delivers is currently only possible in state-of-the-art research labs with large, scientific instruments – whereas this compact system has the potential to bring it into clinical settings to improve patient care.