Biophotonics: Endoscopic Functional Optical Coherence Tomography Using MEMS Technology

University Of California-Irvine, Irvine CA

Investigators

Abstract

0086924 Chen The broad, long term objective of the proposed research is to develop a high speed noninvasive endoscopic functional optical coherence tomographic (OCT) system using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology for early diagnosis of tumors in gastrointestinal (GI), respiratory, and urogenital tracts. Functional optical coherence tomography uses coherent gating techniques to obtain information on tissue structure and blood flow dynamics at discrete spatial locations in highly scattering biological tissues. The exceptionally high spatial resolution (2~10 mm) of functional OCT allows noninvasive imaging of both in vivo tissue structure and blood flow dynamics simultaneously. The applicants propose to combine the advances in biomedical imaging and MEMS technology to develop a high speed, compact, and fast endoscopic functional OCT with a miniaturized probe. This is a collaborative project that involves principal investigators with expertise in biomedical optics, endoscopic imaging, and silicon and polymer MEMS technology.