Optical technology using orbital angular momentum has the potential to transform medical diagnosis

Researchers at Aston University have developed a new technology using light that could revolutionize non-invasive medical diagnostics and optical communications. In this study, we demonstrate how a type of light called orbital angular momentum (OAM) can be used to improve imaging and data transmission through skin and other biological tissues.

The team, led by Professor Igor Meglinski, discovered that OAM light has unparalleled sensitivity and precision, which could potentially eliminate the need for procedures such as surgery or biopsies. Additionally, it may allow doctors to track the progression of the disease and plan appropriate treatment options.

OAM is defined as a type of structured light beam, a light field with a tailored spatial structure. This beam, often referred to as a vortex beam, has been used in numerous developments in applications as diverse as astronomy, microscopy, imaging, metrology, sensing, and optical communications.

Professor Meglinski conducted the study in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland, and the details are detailed in the paper “Phase conservation of the orbital angular momentum of light in multiple scattering environments” published in Light: Science & Applications. It is described in detail. The paper was subsequently selected by Optica, an international optics and photonics membership organization, as one of the most exciting studies of the year.

This study revealed that OAM, unlike ordinary optical signals, retains its phase properties even when passing through highly scattering media. This means that very small changes in refractive index can be detected with an accuracy of up to 0.000001, far exceeding the capabilities of many current diagnostic techniques.

Professor Meglinski, who is based at the Aston Photonics Institute, said: “By showing that OAM light can pass through turbid or cloudy scattering media, this work opens up new possibilities for advanced biomedical applications. ” he said.

“For example, this technology could lead to more accurate, non-invasive ways to monitor blood sugar levels, providing an easier and less painful method for people with diabetes.”

The research team conducted a series of controlled experiments in which they transmitted OAM beams through media with varying levels of turbidity and refractive index. They used advanced detection techniques such as interferometry and digital holography to capture and analyze the behavior of the light. They found that the consistency between the experimental results and the theoretical model highlights the power of the OAM-based approach.

The researchers believe their findings will pave the way for a variety of innovative applications. The researchers believe that adjusting the initial phase of OAM light could one day enable revolutionary advances in areas such as secure optical communication systems and advanced biomedical imaging.

Professor Meglinsky said: “The possibility of accurate, non-invasive transcutaneous glucose monitoring represents a major advance in medical diagnostics.

“My team’s methodological framework and experimental validation provide a comprehensive understanding of how OAM light interacts with complex scattering environments and provide a versatile technology for future optical sensing and imaging challenges. strengthen its potential as