Optics/Photonics
Micro-Endoscope as Thin as a Human Hair
Read More >>
Posted in Bio-Medical, Imaging & Diagnostics, Monitoring & Testing, Electronics, Optics/Photonics, Imaging, Photonics, Fiber Optics, Optics, Medical, Diagnostics, Briefs, MDB on
Wednesday, May 01 2013
Single fiber endoscope increases resolution fourfold over previous similar devices.
Engineers at Stanford University have developed and demonstrated a prototype single-fiber endoscope that, they say, quadruples the resolution over existing designs, which might lead to the development of needle-thin, minimally invasive endoscopes able to view features out of reach of today’s instruments.Read More >>
Choosing Chiller Pumps to Cool Medical Lasers
Read More >>
Posted in Bio-Medical, Manufacturing & Prototyping, Custom & Contract Manufacturing, Drug Delivery & Dispensing, Mechanical Components, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Medical, Drug Delivery & Fluid Handling, Briefs, MDB on
Wednesday, May 01 2013
Medical lasers must be cooled either by premounted or portable chiller systems.
Laser systems continue to grow in application use throughout the medical industry. Applications for laser systems include diagnostic analysis systems, DNA sequencing systems, dental cleaning and surgery, skin care, eye surgery, tattoo removal, and much more. These systems commonly require cooling of the laser and other electronic components either by air flow on lower power laser systems, or by fluid circulation/chiller systems on higher power lasers. Higher power laser require an increased level of cooling capacity that results in systems that provide several gallons per minute of fluid circulation. This increased flow rate will maintain the laser and other electronics at the proper operating conditions.Read More >>
Laser Technologies Support Diverse Applications in Medical & BioPhotonics
Posted in Manufacturing & Prototyping, Custom & Contract Manufacturing, Imaging & Diagnostics, Drug Delivery & Dispensing, Electronics, Surgical Lasers, Treatment Devices, Optics/Photonics, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Optics, Optical Components, Medical, Drug Delivery & Fluid Handling, Features, MDB on
Wednesday, May 01 2013
Today, a wide array of laser technologies support an amazingly
diverse range of medical and biomedical applications.
In fact, it would take a large volume to discuss all the current
uses of lasers in medicine. This article selects just four representative
examples, and shows how key developments in disparate
laser technologies have enabled or enhanced each particular
procedure.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Werth EasyScope
Posted in Manufacturing & Prototyping, Imaging & Diagnostics, Optics/Photonics, Cameras, Machine Vision, Imaging, Displays/Monitors/HMIs, Photonics, Optical Components, Medical, Products, MDB on
Monday, April 01 2013
Werth, Inc., Old Saybrook, CT,
introduces a low cost machine with
a high-end image processor optical
system that evaluates all pixels in
the field of view, which enables filtering
and image enhancement that
goes beyond the limitations of the
old edge detector optics. The new
EasyScope machine has a measuring range of 200 x 150 x 150 mm and
features the same WinWerth software as on high end models.
BIOMEDevice Booth 917
Read More >>
Read More >>
Femtosecond Laser JenLas D2.fs
Posted in Manufacturing & Prototyping, Surgical Lasers, Optics/Photonics, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Medical, Products, MDB on
Monday, April 01 2013
JENOPTIK I Lasers &
Material Processing, Jena,
Germany, has improved the
laser parameters of its JenLas®
D2.fs. The pulse repetition
rate has been increased to
more than 500 kilohertz and
the output power by 25 percent.
This femtosecond laser can be used in micro-processing as well
as medical applications where minimal thermal heat input and excellent
cutting quality are needed, such as in stent manufacturing, precision
drilling of injectors, and processing of displays.
Read More >>
Read More >>
LMV1000G 532nm Green Diode-Pumped Laser Marker
Posted in Optics/Photonics, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Medical, LEDs, Products, MDB on
Friday, March 01 2013
The LMV1000G diode-pumped
high speed precision laser from
Miyachi Unitek, Monrovia, CA, is
specifically designed for laser engraving
or marking applications on plastics and reflective metals. Its focus
spot diameter is 50 percent smaller, and the energy density is four
times stronger than the 1064nm wavelength, enabling highly precise
marking on a wider range of materials. MD&M Florida, Booth 528.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Treating Seizures with Fiber Optics
Posted in Photonics, Fiber Optics, Implants & Prosthetics, Medical, News, MDB on
Wednesday, February 13 2013
University of California-Irvine neuroscientists have
developed a unique method to stop severe episodes of epileptic seizures with
fiber optic light signals.
Using a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, the
research team created an EEG-based computer system that activates hair-thin
optical strands implanted in the brain when it detects a real-time seizure. The
fibers subsequently “turn on” specially expressed, light-sensitive proteins
called opsins, which can either stimulate or inhibit specific neurons during
seizures. They found that this process could stop ongoing electrical seizure
activity and reduce the incidence of severe events.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Understanding Capabilities and Constraints of Fine Laser Cutting for Medical Components
Posted in Features, Manufacturing & Prototyping, Optics/Photonics, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Manufacturing & Prototyping, Medical, Features, MDB on
Friday, February 01 2013
Fine thin metal laser cutting is an
ideal technology for the specialized
cutting requirements found
in the manufacturing of medical tube
tools and components, which require an
array of cut features with sharp edges,
contours, and patterns within edges.
From surgical instruments used in cutting
and biopsy, to needles containing
unusual tips and side wall openings, to
puzzle chain linkages for flexible endoscopes,
laser cutting provides higher
precision, quality, and speed than traditionally
used cutting techniques.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Therapeutic Laser Systems Improve Quality of Life and Save in Healthcare
Posted in Manufacturing & Prototyping, Drug Delivery & Dispensing, Electronics, Surgical Lasers, Treatment Devices, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Medical, Features, MDB on
Thursday, November 01 2012
Global population aging is unprecedented: the global population
of children under age five is expected to fall by 49
million by midcentury, while the number of people over age 60
will grow by 1.2 billion, according to the United Nations. An
aging population brings with it increased demands on healthcare
systems. Governments have to reduce healthcare costs
while maintaining quality of life. Today, illnesses are treated according to symptoms, but, in the future, with the help of
lasers it will be possible to detect and cure illnesses before their
critical phase and, hence, cut the high costs of hospitalization.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Direct-to-Brain Bionic Eye
Posted in Cameras, Machine Vision, Video, Imaging, Photonics, Optics, Optical Components, Implants & Prosthetics, Medical, Features, MDB on
Wednesday, August 01 2012
A brain implant developed at
Monash Vision Group (MVG) —
a collaboration between Monash
University, Alfred Health, MiniFAB, and
Grey Innovation — could bring sight to
up to 85% of clinically blind people,
including patients affected by three of
the most common untreatable causes of
blindness: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma,
and macular degeneration. It could
also help patients with an intact visual
cortex, who have previously had normal
visual development, and patients with
acquired retinal, optic nerve, or ocular
disease. MVG aims to deliver a commercially
viable bionic eye system suitable for
people with deteriorating vision with the
following capabilities:
Read More >>
Read More >>
Optical Manufacturing Guidelines for Medical OEMs
Read More >>
Posted in Bio-Medical, Photonics, Manufacturing & Prototyping, Briefs, MDB on
Wednesday, February 01 2012
With careful planning, system integrators can select the optimal optics, filters, light sources, and cameras for their medical diagnostic instrumentation.
Custom integration of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products can be complex, particularly for medical device integrators that build diagnostic instruments incorporating numerous optical components. Often, objective lenses, illumination sources, and imaging detectors are assembled and custom-mounted into finished instruments. Such components must not only meet stringent performance requirements, but often have to meet established Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.Read More >>
Ultraviolet-Blocking Lenses Protect, Enhance Vision
Posted in Photonics, Features, MDB on
Wednesday, February 01 2012
In the 1980s, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) scientists James
Stephens and Charles Miller were studying the harmful
properties of light in space, as well as that of artificial radiation
produced during laser and welding work. The intense light
emitted during welding can harm unprotected eyes, leading to
a condition called arc eye, in which ultraviolet light causes
inflammation of the cornea and
long-term retinal damage.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Blue Laser Diodes
Posted in Photonics, Products, MDB on
Wednesday, February 01 2012
Power Technology (Little Rock, AR) has introduced additional
blue laser diode wavelengths and power levels. The laser diodes can
be installed in an assortment of PTI modules, including laserinduced
fluorescence, confocal microscopy, high-resolution printing,
flow cytometry, and Raman spectroscopy. The new offerings
include: 375 nm 200 mW, 395 nm 120mW, 415nm 120mW, 420nm
120mW, and 460nm 100mW. Features include active temperature
control, availability of beam circularization and modulated versions, and an adjustable focus.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Diode-Pumped Medical Laser
Posted in Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Products, MDB on
Wednesday, February 01 2012
Jenoptik (Jena, Germany) has launched
the JenLas® D2.mini 5/8W, a diode-pumped
thin-disk laser that provides up to 8 W output
for applications in
medicine as well as
for entertainment.
The laser can be
used for laser therapy
in aesthetics and
dermatology. This
doubled-frequency, diode-pumped, thin-disk
laser operates at the wavelength of 532 nm.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Natural User Interface Technologies
Posted in News, Treatment Devices, Photonics, Medical, Patient Monitoring, MDB on
Monday, January 09 2012
A Microsoft Research Connections project proposes to develop a contact lens that monitors blood glucose levels for type 1 diabetes patients. Other non-invasive alternatives to the finger-pricking method have also been explored elsewhere — such as this tear-based glucose sensor from Arizona State University, featured in MDB last June. According to Microsoft, this is representative of a trend
toward Natural User Interface (NUI) technologies — technologies that aim to provide
benefits to users without being intrusive. A new device on the market, the YumaLite, also appears to fit into this
category.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Controlling Heat Curing Adhesive Processes Using Infrared Spot Curing
Read More >>
Posted in Bio-Medical, Photonics, Manufacturing & Prototyping, Briefs, MDB on
Sunday, January 01 2012
Novel infrared fibers provide precision heating and curing of glues in medical device assemblies, improving workflow and design.
Adhesives are often used as the joining compound between substrates in the medical device industry. Typical applications for adhesives include tube-to-connector bonding, steel-cannula-to-hub bonding, and any other joining process. Adhesives work particularly well in the assembly of dissimilar materials where traditional solvent-welding methods are being eliminated due to workplace safety legislation and where other joining methods such as ultrasonic welding and laser welding are inadequate.Read More >>
Light-Reflecting Ceramic
Posted in Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Products, MDB on
Tuesday, November 01 2011
Accuratus (Phillipsburg, NJ) offers light-reflecting
ceramic that maximizes light uniformity and
intensity in high-energy laser systems, LED-based
therapies, and intense pulsed light sources. The
total reflectance exceeds 90 percent from 450 nm to
2.5 microns, covering the visible and near-infrared
wavelengths.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Ultrafast Laser
Posted in Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Products, MDB on
Tuesday, November 01 2011
Amplitude Systemes (Bordeaux, France)
offers the s-Pulse HP ultrafast laser, designed
to process medical devices such as stents,
percutaneous valves, catheters, and electrodes.
It can cut cobalt-chrome and Nitinol stents
as well as polymer stents with no heat effects, without changing material
properties. The shape-memory capacity of the alloy remains
unchanged. The laser generates ultra-short pulses under 500 femtoseconds,
enabling the processing of stents and brain micro stents without
any burrs, recasting, or micro-cracking. It offers high energy capabilities
(up to 2mJ) for thick stents and high repetition rate (up to 300
kHz), and is available with infrared, green, and UV output.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Custom Submillimeter Optics
Posted in Photonics, Products, MDB on
Tuesday, November 01 2011
Bern Optics (Westfield, MA) offers custom
optical elements with dimensions as small as 0.20
mm. They can be custom engineered, ground,
and polished to micron tolerances in a variety of
configurations including lenses, prisms, axicons,
filters, windows, domes, and mirrors, as well as
special components with combinations of plano,
spherical, and cylindrical surfaces.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Developing a Miniaturized Laser Diode Solution for the Medical Market
Posted in Treatment Devices, Photonics, Lasers & Laser Systems, Features, MDB on
Tuesday, November 01 2011
According to Pantec Biosolutions AG (Liechtenstein,
Europe), the global aesthetic market, which includes skin
rejuvenation, is expected to grow from a $4.4 billion market in
2010 to a $7.5 billion market in 2015. Meanwhile, the market
for transdermal drug delivery is growing rapidly and is expected
to be a multi-billion dollar market by 2015. Designed for
medical professionals and consumers, these new devices offer a
precise delivery method for a variety of medical applications,
such as skin rejuvenation, in-vitro fertilization, and vaccinations.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Technique Developed for Space Research Helps Drive Early Detection of Cataracts on Earth
Posted in Photonics, Medical, Patient Monitoring, Diagnostics, Features, MDB on
Tuesday, November 01 2011
A compact fiber-optic probe initially developed for the
space program has now proven valuable for patients in the
clinic as the first non-invasive early detection device for
cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss worldwide.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Tryptophan Fluorescence of Ocular Lens Protein for Early Diagnosis of Cataracts
Read More >>
Posted in Bio-Medical, Photonics, Medical, Diagnostics, Briefs, MDB on
Saturday, October 01 2011
Findings could spur the development of a clinically useful, non-invasive tool sensitive enough to detect, diagnose, and monitor lens change earlier than current methods.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide; they affect more than 20 million people and result in ~1.3 million operations annually in the United States. Current methods of cataract detection are based on subjective observation of lens opacity by Rayleigh light scattering using a slit lamp. These methods are not sensitive enough to reveal structural changes on a molecular level; they can only reveal defects once their size becomes comparable with the optical wavelength (400-600 nm). This occurs at a very late stage of cataract development.Read More >>
UV-Enhanced SPCM
Posted in Photonics, Products, MDB on
Saturday, October 01 2011
The SPCM-UV from Excelitas Technologies (Waltham, MA) is a UV-enhanced
SPCM (Single Photon Counting Module) with peak sensitivity
in the 400–500 nm range. It also offers high photon detection efficiency
(PDE) at short wavelengths,
low noise performance,
and high dynamic range.
The SPCM uses a “Geigermode”
Si APD (UV-SliK™)
with a circular active area that
achieves a peak PDE of over
75% at 500 nm over the full
180 μm active area. The photodiode
is both thermoelectrically
cooled and temperature controlled. The SPCM-UV offers low
dark counts down to 25 Mcps.
Read More >>
Read More >>
Spotlight on Lasers in Neuron Regeneration
Posted in News, Photonics, MDB on
Tuesday, September 27 2011
Lasers are already very important tools in patient diagnostics, and it's highly likely that their usefulness in medical applications will only continue to grow over time. Recent findings suggest that they also hold the potential to advance neuron regeneration for the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Read More >>
Read More >>
NASA Light Technology Helps Reduce Painful Side Effects from Radiation and Chemotherapy
Posted in Treatment Devices, Photonics, Features, MDB on
Thursday, September 01 2011
Results of a two-year clinical trial indicate that a NASA technology
originally developed for plant growth experiments
on space shuttle missions has successfully reduced the painful
side effects resulting from chemotherapy and radiation treatment
in bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients.
Read More >>
Read More >>


