Researchers led by Aston University have developed a groundbreaking optical technique that could make invasive medical procedures like biopsies a thing of the past. Using Orbital Angular Momentum light, this new method promises unprecedented accuracy in imaging and data transmission through biological tissues, paving the way for revolutionary changes in medical diagnostics.
An innovative research breakthrough has the potential to radically change the landscape of medical diagnostics and optical communication. Led by Igor Meglinski, a professor of mechanical, biomedical & design engineering at Aston University, the study introduces a novel technique employing Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light, which promises to enhance imaging and data transmission through biological tissues without the need for invasive procedures.
The core of the study highlights how OAM, a type of structured light beam also known as vortex beams, retains its phase stability even when passing through highly scattering media.
This capability far surpasses that of traditional light signals, detecting minute changes with an accuracy of up to 0.000001 on the refractive index. Such sensitivity could eventually abolish the need for surgical interventions and biopsies, enabling non-invasive tracking of disease progression.
“By showing that OAM light can travel through turbid or cloudy and scattering media, the study opens up new possibilities for advanced biomedical applications,” Meglinski said in a news release. “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.”
The researchers published their findings in the journal Light: Science & Application. Recognized by the international optics and photonics society, Optica, the paper was lauded as one of the most exciting pieces of research this year.
OAM’s ability to maintain its structured phase characteristics under various turbidity levels is groundbreaking. The series of controlled experiments using advanced detection techniques like interferometry and digital holography validated the theory, showcasing remarkable consistency with the theoretical models.
This advancement holds the promise of not just transforming medical diagnostics but also advancing secure optical communication systems and biomedical imaging. By tweaking the initial phase of OAM light, the researchers foresee a future with more secure data transmission channels and precision in medical imaging techniques.
“The potential for precise, non-invasive transcutaneous glucose monitoring represents a significant leap forward in medical diagnostics,” Meglinski added. “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.”
The findings set a promising path forward, opening new frontiers in non-invasive medical procedures, thus potentially making significant improvements in patient care and medical effectiveness worldwide.