Optics/Photonics

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Using chemical "nanoblasts" that punch tiny holes in the protective membranes of cells, Georgia Tech researchers have demonstrated a new technique for getting therapeutic small molecules, proteins, and DNA directly into living cells. The work is believed to be the first to use activation of reactive carbon nanoparticles by lasers for medical applications.
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Throughout its existence, NASA has made many amazing discoveries in the field of optics that have led to improved eye care and eyewear applications on Earth. Innovations such as laser eye-tracking for LASIK vision-correction procedures, eye trackers that enable people with severe disabilities to communicate and control their environment using only their eye movements, and scratch-resistant and radiation-blocking lenses are just a taste of the Space Agency's optical accomplishments.
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The Ortho-Light™ from Lumitex MD® (Strongsville, OH) is designed to help orthopedic surgeons improve visualization in small-incision hip, shoulder, or knee surgeries. The light attaches to any retractor using a biocompatible, two-sided adhesive and inserts directly into the surgical cavity. This disposable, single-use device is sterile and latex-free.

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Ocean Optics (Dunedin, FL) offers the XR-Series of miniature fiber optics spectrometers that provide an optical resolution of 2.0 nm and cover wavelengths from ~200 to 1050 nm. This XR option is available for USB2000+, JAZ-EL200, and USB4000 spectrometers and custom systems. It features 500 lines/mm groove density grating that delivers
850 nm of spectral range and is blazed at 250 nm. The 25 μm slit is standard, and it is suitable for general-purpose UV-NIR applications.

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Optical Gaging Products (Rochester, NY) offers the SmartScope® Specialist 300 multisensor dimensional measurement system and the Focus™ Specialist 16” horizontal contour projector. These systems are designed to verify dimensions of orthopedic implants. The Specialist 300 is an optical-based benchtop metrology system offering micron-level measurements within a 300 × 300 × 250 mm (12 × 12 × 10") XYZ measurement volume. It employs telecentric TeleStar® motorized zoom optics, high-resolution grayscale camera, narrow-band green LED surface and profile illumination, and image processing to deliver high-speed video metrology.

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A two-wavelength laser and albumen stent easily repair separated vessels.

Joining severed vessels is a recurring problem in trauma and surgery. The basic technology of joining vessels using sutures has been available for centuries, but remains a slow and tedious process. A complete system for micro-anastomosis of vessels was developed that involves a laser in a clinically useful form factor, and a novel albumen stent to support the vessel during the surgery.
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Using lasers and nanoparticles, Rice University scientists have discovered a new technique for singling out individual diseased cells and destroying them with tiny explosions. The scientists used lasers to make "nanobubbles" by zapping gold nanoparticles inside cells. "Single- cell targeting is one of the most touted advantages of nanomedicine, and our approach delivers on that promise with a localized effect inside an individual cell," said physicist Dmitri Lapotko, the lead researcher on the project. "The idea is to spot and treat unhealthy cells early, before a disease progresses to the point of making people extremely ill."
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