A Polymer-Based Integrated Optical Image Acquisition and Display System

Introduction Imaging devices are used in a variety of roles from medical imaging to barcode reading, and as these devices get smaller, their number of potential applications only increases. Endoscopes, for example, allow for real-time imaging inside the body; conventional versions, however, are limited in how small their diameter can get by the need for relatively large bundles of optic fiber or arrays of detectors. To further decrease the size of these devices, alternatives must be developed Technology Description Professor Wang at the University of Washington has developed an electro-optic polymer waveguide that has a tunable index of refraction. With this device, backscattered light from an illuminated substrate, first, is focused on the waveguide and, then, is steered by altering the device’s index of refraction. With this unique device, an image can be reconstructed without the need for moving parts or multiple detectors, and with less space required, imaging systems can be further miniaturized without sacrificing image quality or field of view. Business Opportunity More compact imaging systems present significant opportunities in biomedical applications. Endoscopic techniques, for instance, would greatly benefit from smaller imaging systems because they could be made much less invasive and could image portions of the body that were previously inaccessible due to size constraints. Other applications include microlithography, micro-inspection, barcode reading, and range finding. Intellectual Property Position

Type of Offer: Licensing



Next Patent »
« More Science Patents
« More Optical Science Patents

Share on      


CrowdSell Your Patent