Free-Space Interferometric Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography Based on Rapid Scanning Micromirrors

本研究的目的是开发用于早期癌症检测的下一代光学内窥镜成像探针。该方法是利用微机电系统（MEMS）技术使成像探头体积小、价格便宜、扫描速度快。该项目从设备和系统架构层面解决内窥镜成像的挑战。将开发一种新型的快速扫描光学微系统。其中一个微镜可以垂直扫描3毫米，没有横向偏移。这些MEMS器件可以形成一个紧凑的自由空间干涉仪，适合内窥镜导管。这进一步实现了一种不需要参考光纤的新型内镜OCT架构，从而彻底消除了光纤长度匹配、色散和偏振补偿的问题。PI在这一领域有丰富的经验，并有良好的设施来实施该项目。更广泛的影响所提出的快速扫描光学MEMS器件也可以应用于显示和光通信。启用的单纤维成像探针可用于早期癌症诊断和实时癌症手术监测，这可能会挽救数十万人的生命并提高他们的生活质量。同样的技术也适用于心脏病的血管内成像。由二维微镜驱动的微型激光扫描显示器将在附近的高中展示，以吸引更多对工程和科学感兴趣的年轻人。PI还将参与佛罗里达大学的STEP-UP项目，该项目旨在促进少数族裔工科新生的学业和个人成功。

Proposal 0725598Intellectual MeritThe objective of this research is to develop the next generation optical endoscopic imaging probes for early cancer detection. The approach is to use Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to make imaging probes small, inexpensive and scan fast. This project addresses the challenges of endoscopic imaging from both device and system architecture level. A new class of fast-scanning optical microsystems will be developed. One of the micromirrors can scan vertically up to 3 mm with no lateral shift. These MEMS devices can form a compact free-space interferometer that fits into endoscopic catheters. This further enables a new endoscopic OCT architecture that does not need a reference optical fiber and thus completely eliminates the problems of fiber length matching, dispersion and polarization compensation. The PI has extensive experience in this field and has good facility access to carry out this project.Broader ImpactsThe proposed rapid scanning optical MEMS devices can also be applied to displays and optical telecommunications. The enabled single-fiber imaging probes can be used for early cancer diagnosis and real-time cancer surgery monitoring, which could potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives and improve their quality of life. The same technique is applicable to intravascular imaging for heart disease. Tiny laser scanning displays enabled by 2-D micromirrors will be demonstrated in nearby high schools to attract more youngsters interested in engineering and science. The PI will also participate in the STEP-UP program at University of Florida that is designed to promote academic and personal success among minority freshman engineering students.