Summary: A novel optical technique using Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light could revolutionize non-invasive diagnostics by providing precise imaging through biological tissues.
Takeaways:
- Enhanced Imaging Accuracy: OAM light, with its unique phase-preserving characteristics, offers unmatched sensitivity for detecting tiny changes within tissues, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures like biopsies.
- Broad Medical Applications: The technology enables non-invasive tracking of diseases and monitoring metrics like blood glucose, offering a less painful alternative for conditions requiring regular testing.
- Future Potential: Beyond diagnostics, OAM could pave the way for secure optical communications and advanced biomedical imaging due to its robust performance in scattering environments.
An Aston University researcher has developed a new technique using light which could revolutionise non-invasive medical diagnostics and optical communication.
Orbital Angular Momentum
The research showcases how a type of light called the Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) can be harnessed to improve imaging and data transmission through skin and other biological tissues.
A team led by Professor Igor Meglinski found that OAM light has unmatched sensitivity and accuracy that could result in making procedures such as surgery or biopsies unnecessary. In addition, it could enable doctors to track the progression of diseases and plan appropriate treatment options.
OAM is defined as a type of structured light beams, which are light fields which have a tailored spatial structure. Often referred to as vortex beams, they have previously been applied to a number of developments in different applications including astronomy, microscopy, imaging, metrology, sensing, and optical communications.
Professor Meglinski in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oulu, Finland conducted the research which is detailed in the paper “Phase preservation of orbital angular momentum of light in multiple scattering environment” which is published in the Nature journal Light Science & Application. The paper has since been named as one of the year’s most exciting pieces of research by the international optics and photonics membership organization, Optica.
The study reveals that OAM retains its phase characteristics even when passing through highly scattering media, unlike regular light signals. This means it can detect extremely small changes with an accuracy of up to 0.000001 on the refractive index, far surpassing the capabilities of many current diagnostic technologies.
“By showing that OAM light can travel through turbid or cloudy and scattering media, the study opens up new possibilities for advanced biomedical applications,” says Professor Meglinski who is based at Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies. “For example, this technology could lead to more accurate and non-invasive ways to monitor blood glucose levels, providing an easier and less painful method for people with diabetes.”
Further reading: Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy Offers 3D View of Tissue Samples
Harnessing Advanced Detection Techniques
The research team conducted a series of controlled experiments, transmitting OAM beams through media with varying levels of turbidity and refractive indices. They used advanced detection techniques, including interferometry and digital holography, to capture and analyse the light’s behaviour. They found that the consistency between experimental results and theoretical models highlighted the ability of the OAM-based approach.
The researchers believe that their study’s findings pave the way for a range of transformative applications. By adjusting the initial phase of OAM light, they believe that revolutionary advancements in fields such as secure optical communication systems and advanced biomedical imaging will be possible in the future.
“The potential for precise, non-invasive transcutaneous glucose monitoring represents a significant leap forward in medical diagnostics,” says Professor Meglinski. “My team’s methodological framework and experimental validations provide a comprehensive understanding of how OAM light interacts with complex scattering environments, reinforcing its potential as a versatile technology for future optical sensing and imaging challenges.”
Featured image: Professor Igor Meglinski. Photo: Aston University
