Photonics/​Optics

Optimizing Illumination for qPCR Diagnostics — Design Considerations

A complete optical path minimizes signal crosstalk between detection channels.

‘Seeing’ Nonuniformities in 2D Materials May Lead to New Medical Sensors

Detecting nonuniformities in optical properties opens the door to new uses

Sustainable Silk Material Ideal for Wearable and Implantable Applications

The material is optically transparent and easily manipulated.

Tiny Chip-Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X-Rays

New optics-on-a-chip device paves way to capturing fast chemical, material, and biological processes.

Miniature Optical Fiber Treatment Device Offers More Effective Cancer Immunotherapy

The device infuses antibodies through the miniature fiber to the tumor to activate T cells around tumor cells.

New Imaging Technology Reduces Need for Skin Biopsies

A deep-learning framework transforms images of intact skin acquired by an emerging noninvasive optical technology.

Optical Design Considerations for Additive Manufacturing

Light-based methods open many opportunities for medical applications.

Optical Cochlear Implants Offer Better Hearing

The team designed an implant with LED emitters.

Quantum 'Stopwatch' Can Improve Imaging Technologies

University of Colorado Boulder researchers have designed one of the most precise stopwatches – not for timing Olympic sprinters but for counting single photons, the tiny packets of...

PCB Microelectronics Assembly Takes Center Stage for Medical Miniaturization

Small medical electronics are at the forefront of a new round of technology trends involving printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and manufacturing.

Tiny Wireless Device Illuminates Neuron Activity in the Brain

Researchers are creating new tools for a method called optogenetics, which shines light at specific neurons in the brain to excite or suppress activity.

UV Sensors for Wearables Are Flexible, Sensitive

To make ultraviolet (UV)-detecting wearables, scientists have created a new type of light sensor that is both flexible and highly sensitive.

Optical Device Offers Improved Thyroid Cancer Screening

The device combines near infrared light, time resolved spectroscopy, and diffuse correlation spectroscopy.

Optical Lens Design Considerations for Cell Imaging in Microscopy

Understanding application, use case, and image resolution are key.

Sensor Tracks Stress Hormone in Real Time

A prototype of a fluorescence-based sensor provides continuous detection of cortisol concentrations in real time.

New Products and Services: July 2021 Medical Design Briefs

EMI filters, plastic optic fibers, power modules, and more.

Next-Gen POC Diagnostics: Electronic Measurement Technology Driven by Global Demand for COVID-19 Testing

Many new companies entering the market are planning a diagnostic roadmap of capabilities beyond their entry point of COVID-19 testing.

Ultra-Sensitive, Small Optomechanical Ultrasound Sensor

An optomechanical ultrasound sensor on a silicon photonic chip provides unprecedented sensitivity due to an innovative optomechanical waveguide.

Tiny Implantable Tool for Light-Sheet Imaging of Brain Activity

The tool shows promise for imaging brain activity in 3D with high speed and contrast.

Tiny Wireless Implant Detects Oxygen Deep Within the Body

The implant provides real-time measurements of tissue oxygen levels.

Mantis Shrimp Inspires New Breed of Light Sensors

Inspired by the eyes of mantis shrimp, researchers have developed a new kind of optical sensor that is small enough to fit on a smartphone but is capable of hyperspectral and polarimetric...

Surface Waves Help Nanostructured Devices Keep Cool

The surface waves provide a thermal transport solution.

Device Creates 3D Images of Skin

A research team has developed a portable device that produces high-resolution 3D images of human skin within 10 minutes. The team says the portable skin mapping (imaging) device could be used to assess...

From the Editor: The 2020 Products of the Year

This year, our two winners both represent new imaging capabilities for medical devices.

Leading Women in Engineering & Science: Jennifer Kehlet Barton, Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Professor, Biomedical Engineering; Director, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona

Barton's lab designs miniature endoscopes for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

2020 Product Buyer's Guide

In our 2020 Product Buyer's Guide, you'll find a list of manufacturers in more than a dozen medical-device areas.

Optical Imaging Technology May Help Surgeons Better Treat Cancer, Brain Diseases

Optical imaging helps surgeons map out tumors.

New Products and Services: October 2020 Medical Design Briefs

Corrosion-resistant marking, robot cells, medical freezers, and more.

New Products and Services: September 2020 Medical Design Briefs

Simulation Software

Volume Graphics, Charlotte, NC, has added and augmented important functionalities to its software that help designers and manufacturers capture and...