A researcher has introduced an innovative method using light, aiming to transform non-invasive medical diagnostics and optical communication. This study highlights how a specific type of light, known as Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), can be utilized to enhance imaging and data transmission through skin and various biological tissues.
An Aston University researcher has introduced a cutting-edge method involving light that could change non-invasive medical diagnostics and optical communication significantly.
The research emphasizes the potential of Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light in enhancing imaging and data transfer through skin and other biological tissues.
A team led by Professor Igor Meglinski discovered that OAM light is exceptionally sensitive and accurate, possibly eliminating the need for procedures like surgery or biopsies. Additionally, it could assist doctors in monitoring disease progression and devising suitable treatment plans.
OAM refers to specially structured light beams, often called vortex beams, that have a distinct spatial arrangement. These beams have previously contributed to advancements in various fields such as astronomy, microscopy, imaging, metrology, sensing, and optical communications.
In collaboration with researchers from the University of Oulu, Finland, Professor Meglinski detailed this research in the paper titled “Phase preservation of orbital angular momentum of light in multiple scattering environment,” published in the journal Nature Light Science & Application. This paper has been recognized as one of the year’s most exciting research works by the international optics and photonics organization, Optica.
The findings demonstrate that OAM maintains its phase attributes even while passing through highly scattering media, unlike standard light signals. This unique property allows it to detect minuscule changes with an accuracy of 0.000001 on the refractive index, which greatly exceeds the capabilities of many existing diagnostic methods.
Professor Meglinski, based at the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, stated, “By demonstrating that OAM light can navigate through cloudy or scattering environments, this study opens up new opportunities for advanced biomedical applications.”
“For instance, this technology could create more accurate and non-invasive methods to monitor blood glucose levels, offering a gentler and less painful solution for individuals with diabetes.”
The research team carried out a series of controlled tests, sending OAM beams through materials with different levels of turbidity and refractive indices. They employed sophisticated detection methods, including interferometry and digital holography, to observe and analyze the light’s behavior. The strong alignment between experimental findings and theoretical predictions showcased the effectiveness of the OAM-based technology.
The team believes that their discoveries lay the groundwork for many groundbreaking applications. By fine-tuning the initial phase of OAM light, they see potential for significant advancements in secure optical communication systems and advanced biomedical imaging.
Professor Meglinski remarked, “The opportunity for precise, non-invasive glucose monitoring is a major advancement in medical diagnostics.”
“The methodological structures and experimental confirmations from my team enhance the understanding of how OAM light interacts with complex scattering environments, emphasizing its versatility for future optical sensing and imaging challenges.”
Phase preservation of orbital angular momentum of light in multiple scattering environment
