This blog discusses implementation of optics in microfluidics systems including: Ways that lenses can be implemented on microfluidic cartridges; an overview of optical detection techniques used in microfluidics systems; and methods used in measuring fluorescence on microfluidic platforms. Optical systems play an important role in microfluidic platforms. Such systems are the most reliable apparatuses for […]
Medical Device Camera Sensor Resolution and Pixel Size Camera sensors are key components of video microscopes and endoscopes, fluorescence imagers, X-ray detectors, multiplexed detectors (i.e. detectors that measure/quantify more than one thing at a time), spectrometers, and imaging interferometers. With many options available and many specifications to consider, choosing a camera sensor for a medical […]
This blog covers the optical safety limits and maximum exposure limits of wavelengths in the IR, UV and visible light spectrum for ophthalmic instruments. Optical safety for ophthalmic instruments focuses on ocular exposure limits because the eyes are the most light-sensitive part of the body and ophthalmic instruments are intended to interface directly with the […]
A common challenge when designing medical devices that make optical measurements is ensuring the optical system state remains correlated with sensor measurements in order to maximize medical device optical signals. The sort of device I’m speaking of achieves its measurement by illuminating something and collecting the scattered or transmitted light. For this conversation, that “something” […]
Why Colour-rendering Accuracy is Critical for Full-Colour Medical Device Color Management “A picture is worth a thousand words.” That truism is no-less apt when it comes to medical devices, particularly when an accurate record or real-time presentation of tissue appearance is key to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
This blog provides an overview of optical technologies for point of care (POC) medical devices that have been developed or show promise. Point-of-care (POC) testing is diagnostic testing conducted at or near the location where a patient is receiving medical care (away from a clinical laboratory). POC diagnostic devices allow for rapid diagnoses immediately following […]
Make a real-time, wavelength-calibrated spectrometer using common household items. Like many others, I’m currently working from home due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Fortunately, a significant portion of my optical engineering work, such as research, modelling and design, can be done without going into the office. On the other hand, I generally avoid going into […]
Five powerful perspectives for the Optics Laboratory Implementing medical device optics projects like a novel measurement scheme, or bringing up a breadboard prototype for the first time, is a dynamic and messy endeavour. I’d like to share five key recommendations for approaching such journeys based on my 25 years of designing and implementing laser-based measurements.
This blog offers eight tips to help successfully implement a POC diagnostic platform optical detection with a disposable microfluidic cartridge. With the changing healthcare ecosystem, demand for point-of-care (POC) testing kits is expanding globally. Medical technology companies are accelerating development or repurposing platforms to address the need for portable diagnostic tools at the point of […]
Our Optics experts and manufacturing leaders met to identify lessons learned and tips from recent projects involving optics handling during manufacturing, prototyping and transfer to manufacturing. This blog features their tips and lessons for handling optics during the manufacturing process.
How to build a breadboard proof-of-concept system It’s advantageous, when possible, for medical techniques to be non-invasive and inexpensive. One method of imaging flow (of blood and other optically scattering media) that meets these criteria is Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI).
Light from biomedical devices interacts with human tissue, which contains a variety of structures and cell sizes and shapes. In many cases, optical scattering plays a strong role in the propagation of optical radiation. One common approach to simulating scattering is the Monte Carlo technique. Popular optics-simulation software incorporates Monte Carlo scattering, allowing you to […]