Acousto-optic Modulators with a Broadband Spectrum Throughput and a Tunable Peak Wavelength

Introduction Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging technology that can image tissue microanatomy at depths of up to 2mm in real time. Technology description Researchers at the UW have developed a method to optimize the optical spectral throughput of a pair of acousto-optic modulators (AOM). The peak wavelength can be tuned over a broad range (650-1650 nm) depending the optical spectrum of interest. A modulator with a spectral bandwidth of more than 200 nm at a center wavelength of 825 nm (tunable) has been achieved. In conjunction with a broadband low coherence light source, lateral-priority optical coherence tomography can be performed in real-time using a highly sensitive heterodyne detection enabled by the AOM. High-resolution real-time imaging of biological tissues with an axial resolution ~3 um (in air) has been demonstrated using a high-speed lateral-priority OCT system equipped with a pair of AOMs. Business opportunity OCT has applications in a wide variety of areas including imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, dermatology, retinal imaging, and imaging of the breast and prostrate gland. OCT may reduce the need for more invasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring. Stage of development Initial data and working prototypes exist for this technology. Intellectual property position This technology is available for licensing. The UW is currently reviewing this technology for worldwide patent protection.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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