A MEMS Actuator System for an Integrated 3-D Optical Coherent Tomography Scanner

In this paper, we present an electrothermal biaxial MEMS actuator system, which provides x-A nd y-direction scanning for a fully integrated 3-D optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner. An angular scanning range of 8° (corresponding to a 7-mm linear scanning range in both directions) is achieved, with an average power consumption of 150 mW....

Sensing performance of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiC-SiO2-SiC horizontal slot waveguides

We have studied, for the first time, the sensing capabilities of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) SiC-SiO2-SiC horizontal slot waveguides. Optical propagation losses were measured to be 23.9 dB?cm for the quasi-transverse magnetic mode. To assess the potential of this device as a sensor, we simulated the confinement factor in...

A comparison between PECVD and ALD for the fabrication of slot waveguide based sensors

We fabricated horizontal slot waveguides using two low temperature deposition techniques ensuring the full compatibility of the processes with CMOS technology. Slots width as thin as 45 nm with smooth slot surfaces can easily be fabricated with simple photolithographic steps. Fundamental TM-like slot mode in which the E-field is greatly enhanced...

Miniature 10 kHz thermo-optic delay line in silicon

The scanning delay line is a key component of time-domain optical coherence tomography systems. It has evolved since its inception toward higher scan rates and simpler implementation. However, existing approaches still suffer from drawbacks in terms of size, cost, and complexity, and they are not suitable for implementation using integrated...

The impact of morphology on light transport in cancellous bone

In recent years, optical techniques based on diffusion approximation have demonstrated their ability to gain rich spectral information about bone. However, these methods normally assume homogeneity, while cancellous bone and marrow form a highly heterogeneous two-phase medium. This paper studies the limitations of this assumption, and quantifies...

The impact of morphology on light transport in cancellous bone

In recent years, optical techniques based on diffusion approximation have demonstrated their ability to gain rich spectral information about bone. However, these methods normally assume homogeneity, while cancellous bone and marrow form a highly heterogeneous two-phase medium. This paper studies the limitations of this assumption, and quantifies...

Optical techniques for the study of living tissue

The potential of light in diagnosis and therapy has been long recognised. With the advent of scientific progress in our understanding of light propagation and interaction with tissue and parallel major technological advances in how optical energy can be generated, detected and processed, this potential is being realised. Linking with this trend,...

Demonstration of PECVD SiC thermal delay lines for optical coherence tomography in the visible

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has found applications in many fields of medicine and has a large potential for the optical biopsy of tumors. One of the technological challenges impairing faster adoption of OCT is the relative complexity of the optical instrumentation required, which translates into expensive and bulky setups. In this paper...

Shape based Monte Carlo code for light transport in complex heterogeneous tissues

A Monte Carlo code for the calculation of light transport in heterogeneous scattering media is presented together with its validation. Triangle meshes are used to define the interfaces between different materials, in contrast with techniques based on individual volume elements. This approach allows to address realistic problems in a flexible way...

Thermo-optical delay line for optical coherence tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a powerful medical imaging technology. Its ability to non-invasively probe tissues in depth with high resolution has lead to applications in many fields of medicine, with a large potential for surgical guidance. One of the technological challenges impairing faster adoption of OCT is the relative complexity...

Surgical drill system and surgical drill bit to be used therein

Surgical drill system comprising a mechanical drill bit and means for imaging the vicinity of the drill bit tip, said means comprising: at least one optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being located adjacent said drill bit tip, an optical processing unit, said proximal end of said at least one optical fiber...

Pentacene organic thin film transistors with anodized gate dielectric

A low temperature high quality gate dielectric process for bottom gate organic thin film transistors (OTFT) is introduced which is compatible to plastic substrates. The Al2O3 dielectric is grown from the aluminum gate electrode by anodic oxidation at room temperature and exhibits an exceptionally good electrical performance even for thin layers...