Applications of Optics in Non-Traditional Biomedical Imaging

Abstract

In this dissertation, three non-traditional applications of optics in biomedical imaging are presented. First, design and development steps of a new compact all-reflective multiphoton microscope is described and illustrated. This design eliminates the adverse effects of chromatic aberration and dispersion inside the optical elements of the refractive-based microscopes. Additionally, in this mirror-based system, multiple laser sources with different wavelengths can be deployed for various three-dimensional imaging and writing applications. Second part presents a new approach to measure the visual acuity. This system uses the unique properties of tunable fluidic lenses and holographic optical elements to develop a handheld automatic phoropter. Using this setup, refractive error of the eye can be measured and corrected automatically within the range of -10 to +10 diopters. Moreover, no feedback is required from the patient and the measurement procedure can be completed within few seconds. Finally, the design and fabrication of an ultra-high sensitivity optical magnetometer is represented. The sensor is based on the Faraday rotation effect in nanocomposite polymers with high Verdet constants. This new sensing technique can substitute the expensive and high maintenance magnetometers that are currently being used in Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Magnetocardiography (MCG) systems. Using this method high spatiotemporal mapping of biological activities can be achieved in an un-shielded environment.