Tolerancing is often an essential step in understanding the manufacturing/assembly requirements of an optical system designed for use in medical devices. The use of optical design software for tolerancing simulations is a valuable tool for identifying the specific manufacturing/alignment errors that can be allowed and their limits. Zemax OpticStudio® is a popular optical design software […]
Several companies offer microscopes specifically designed for microfluidic applications and cell imaging. However, they are often price prohibitive and, in most cases, do not readily fit the specific requirements for a particular microfluidic application.
Optical imaging tools can enhance the crucial role of biomedical imaging in accurately identifying diseases and monitoring their progression. Conventional medical imaging devices such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) are commonly used in clinical settings (Figure 1). However, these imaging modalities are limited in their […]
There are numerous light-hazard classification standards that may pertain to your medical device: ISO 60601-2-57, IEC 62471, ANSI RP-27-20, ISO 15004-2, ANSI Z80.36, ISO 10936-2, ISO 10939, and so on… In this blog post, I’ll examine certain commonalities and points of potential confusion of the “big 4” incoherent-light-source safety standards: IEC 62471 and ANSI RP-27-20 […]
We recently asked our engineering and QA/RA leaders which new developments are likely to impact medical devices in the near- and long-term future. Their responses cover a variety of technology, regulatory, and supply chain activities.
Produce the most high-fidelity images and/or cleanest data possible Part 3: Types of Image Sensors Camera sensors are common components of medical devices. This blog covers various types of image sensors. Generally, image sensors consist of an array of photosensitive pixels. In typical camera applications, such sensors measure the spatial pattern of light focused by […]
Part 2: Incident Irradiance, Exposure, Gain, and Frame Rate Camera sensors are common components of medical devices. In this blog I will discuss in detail how incident light irradiance, exposure time, gain, and frame rate factor into the use of camera sensors for medical devices.
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.