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Conference 13310
Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics, Treatment, and Environmental Applications XXV
25 - 27 January 2025 | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Session 1:
Fibers for Biomedical Sensing and Surgical Guidance
25 January 2025 • 8:15 AM - 10:15 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chairs:
Zhenpeng Qin, The Univ. of Texas at Dallas (United States), Jin U. Kang, Johns Hopkins Univ. (United States)
13310-101
25 January 2025 • 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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In this paper, we present a co-planar waveguide-fed modified circular ring antenna designed specifically for hyperthermia cancer treatment. The antenna comprises two concentric annular rings with radii of 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, enclosed within a larger circular ring, and is constructed on RO3006 substrate. The overall size of the antenna is 15 × 15 × 1.6 mm3. Antenna operates from 5 to 5.5 GHz, based on -10 dB reflection coefficient, ensuring efficient performance for targeted treatments. The antenna is analyzed with a cylindrical phantom model, simulating layers of biological tissues such as skin, fat, muscles, and bones, adhering to have biological property guidelines. Antenna is kept at 5 mm from the phantom. The antenna’s performance is evaluated for hyperthermia parameters. Simulations are conducted with/without the presence of a tumor to assess the antenna’s capability. Results demonstrate that the antenna induces a temperature of 44°C at the tumor site, which is sufficient for hyperthermia treatment. Moreover, calculate PD is 33 mm. These findings suggest the proposed antenna design holds significant potential for precise and effective cancer treatment through hyperthermia.
13310-1
25 January 2025 • 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Optical waveguides and integrated optical devices are increasingly applied in biomedical fields, including optogenetics and sensing. This study presents the fabrication and characterization of flexible single-mode optical waveguides. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as the waveguide cladding, with a core made from zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles mixed with PDMS. Fabrication was performed on polystyrene substrates via spin-coating, achieving a 2 µm core thickness. Morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterized the molecular structure. Optical properties, including waveguiding and refractive indices, were measured by the prism coupling technique at 632.8 nm. Insertion optical loss was determined with the cut-back method, with the best samples exhibiting a transmission loss of approximately 0.53 dB cm−1. Tensile tests confirmed reduced mechanical mismatch with tissue compared to most polymeric waveguides. This novel flexible, single-mode waveguide structure is promising for innovative photonic devices and chronic neural interfaces.
13310-2
25 January 2025 • 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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A novel miniaturized palpation probe for tactile and stiffness sensing based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is proposed in this article. The Bragg gratings are inscribed point-by-point with femtosecond laser and integrated on a pneumatic actuated silicone membrane on the tip of the palpation probe. During measurements, the back-reflected signal of the FBG is monitored. The pressure charged membrane deforms upon contact, resulting in changes to the measured FBG signal. These changes can be interpreted as the palpated force applied on probe. Moreover, the deformation of the sensing membrane can be controlled by modulating the induced pneumatic pressure during object indentation, which results in different FBG signal responses regarding stiffness levels. Consequently, the stiffness of the object can be identified. The proposed sensor demonstrates the functionality of stiffness sensing and has the potential for integration into miniaturized tool for various minimally invasive surgical applications.
13310-3
25 January 2025 • 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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In this paper, an ultra-thin fiber based sensor which is 125 µm in diameter and flexible along its length is proposed for integration into microsurgical tools. The sensor is driven by a swept laser with a central wavelength of 1060 nm, sweeping over a bandwidth of 100 nm at 100 kHz. It acts as a common-path interferometer, with interference between light back-scattered from the tissue and light reflected from the probe tip. A sputtered gold coating on the tip results in a reflection power that is independent of the refractive index of the surrounding medium. The sensor has been characterised in both air and water; the depth range exceeds 2 mm, with an axial resolution better than 10 µm. Manual lateral scanning of the sensor probe to yield optical coherence tomography images has also been investigated, demonstrating a further potential application as an ultra-miniaturised imaging probe.
13310-4
25 January 2025 • 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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This paper proposed a novel topology-based deep-learning segmentation method for precise tracking and segmentation of epithelium and Descemet's membrane for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) surgical guidance. This method employs a modified U-Net architecture with a topological combined loss to effectively address issues of noise and signal fluctuations during the optical coherence tomography sensor integrated needle insertion and rotation. Initial tests on ex vivo M-mode images demonstrate significantly improved segmentation accuracy compared to conventional methods using traditional losses. This advancement promises enhanced safety and reliability for DALK procedures, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
13310-5
25 January 2025 • 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Monitoring of critical blood parameters is essential for the management of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) treatments. In this paper, we present a low-cost, disposable fluorescent pCO₂ sensor that enables real-time monitoring of pCO₂ levels. The sensor features a disposable sensitive membrane that is interrogated by a non-disposable optical head without direct blood contact.
13310-6
25 January 2025 • 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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In this paper, we discuss the development of the optical fibre multiparameter sensing system for application in chronic wound healing measurements. The system consists of temperature, humidity, ammonia, and CO2 optical fibre sensors operating in reflection mode. The tip of the fibre is coated with the sensitive layer to provide specificity toward the specific measurands. The sensors’ performance is presented using Bland-Altman plots.
13310-7
25 January 2025 • 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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The paper presents the design and preliminary experimental validation of a fiber laser with direct emission in the yellow, which has been developed within the “Yellow-FLiCkEr” project, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. The laser uses Dy-doped soft-glass fibers, both commercial and ad-hoc custom made. The pump is provided by high-power blue laser diodes and the mirrors are Bragg gratings directly inscribed in the soft-glass fiber with a femtosecond laser. Suitable models have been developed both to optimize the laser behavior and to study the laser-eye tissue interaction. Preliminary studies with cultivated cells have demonstrated the laser’s potential for ophthalmology.
Break
Coffee Break 10:15 AM - 10:35 AM
Session 2:
Innovations in Mid-IR Spectroscopy and Sensing
25 January 2025 • 10:35 AM - 12:50 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Viacheslav G. Artyushenko, art photonics GmbH (Germany)
13310-8
External cavity quantum cascade laser vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy for fast and sensitive analysis of proteins at low concentrations
(Keynote Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 10:35 AM - 11:20 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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We present an optical setup and experimental results for recording vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of proteins in heavy water. We leverage the high brilliance of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) to measure protein solutions at extended pathlengths (>200 µm) and at high speed when compared to established VCD spectroscopy using an FTIR spectrometer. Detailed information on protein secondary structures is obtained and compared with FTIR-VCD spectra. The advancements resulting from the use of QCL technology in terms of sensitivity enables to significantly lower the concentrations of the studied proteins and opens the path also for the time resolved study of dynamic systems.
13310-9
25 January 2025 • 11:20 AM - 11:45 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Mid-infrared (mid-IR) fiber sensors are highly effective tools for detecting and quantifying various chemical species owing to the numerous characteristic molecular vibrations and absorption bands present within this spectral range. We propose a novel sensor design for IR transmission measurement using an angled fiber and a mirror to achieve controlled pathlength, and thus sensitivity. A silver halide polycrystalline fiber was polished to have an angle and another fiber was gold-coated to act as a mirror. The two were secured against each other using a small connector with an opening to allow sample flow into the sensing area. The sensor effectively measured ethanol solutions at physiological levels, using the C-O stretch at 1046 cm⁻¹ (9.56 micrometers) for quantification, with a detection limit around 3.74 mM. These results demonstrate the fiber sensor's potential for in vivo biosensing.
13310-10
25 January 2025 • 11:45 AM - 12:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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This presentation highlights the latest advancements in fiber-optic spectroscopy for industrial
process control and biomedical applications. We introduce robust, multispectral fiber probes that
combine various spectroscopic techniques (Transmission, Reflection, ATR-Absorption, Raman, and
Fluorescence in UV, visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared ranges) within a single probe. These
advanced probes enable real-time, remote monitoring of chemical processes, enhancing analysis
precision and reliability across diverse industrial applications. Key innovations include the integration
of multiple spectral methods to improve selectivity and the design of probes capable of operating in
harsh environments, ensuring consistent performance in extreme conditions. Customizable solutions
are offered to optimize sensor size, cost, and analytical capabilities.
13310-11
25 January 2025 • 12:10 PM - 12:25 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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We present innovative methods for analyzing mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy data to identify and quantify analytes in complex water matrices. This approach leverages the high specificity of mid-IR spectroscopy for chemical fingerprinting while overcoming traditional challenges associated with the rapid attenuation of IR signals in aqueous environments. By combining state-of-the-art pre-concentration techniques with robust data processing algorithms and machine learning, we significantly enhance measurement sensitivity and selectivity. The analytics-driven sensing platform incorporating these methods enables detailed environmental analysis, particularly for monitoring contaminants in wastewater and natural water bodies. The identification of diverse chemical species facilitates real-time monitoring and predictive analysis in environmental remediation processes. Additional applications include tracking pollutants, optimizing wastewater treatment operations, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This work underscores the importance of integrating advanced data analytics with mid-IR spectroscopy for comprehensive environmental monitoring and management.
13310-12
Graphene and Mxene layers for sensing applications
(Invited Paper)
25 January 2025 • 12:25 PM - 12:50 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Functionalized layers of conductive 2D-materials such as graphene or Mxenes are attractive for multiple environmental, catalytic and bioanalytical applications.
For example, functionalized graphene is used for sensing applications in field‐effect transistor (GFETs) or in optofluidic cells.
Combined IR and Raman spectroscopies enable sensitive analysis of the 2-D material properties and allow to identify the covalent or non-covalent functionalizations.
Both spectroscopies have a high potential for in situ and operando applications for sensitive interface characterization as well as in the label-free analysis of nL to µL liquid volumes. We investigated specific graphene regions that were electrochemically modified by ultrathin, few nanometer thick films of 4-aminophenylacetic acid (4-APhAA) or maleimidophenyl (MP) as well as aminophenyl modified MXene (Ti3C2Tx) surfaces.
IR ellipsometry was used to prove the binding of (4-nitrobenzyl)mercaptan (NBM) molecules to MP functionalized graphene surface.
We acknowledge financial support by the European Union through EFRE 1.8/13.
Break
Lunch Break 12:50 PM - 2:10 PM
Session 3:
Innovations in Optical Techniques for Medical Applications
25 January 2025 • 2:10 PM - 3:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chairs:
Israel Gannot, Tel Aviv Univ. (Israel), Angela B. Seddon, The Univ. of Nottingham (United Kingdom)
13310-13
25 January 2025 • 2:10 PM - 2:25 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Real-time distributed fiber optic monitoring of temperature and viscoelastic properties of biological tissues during laser ablation is crucial for effective and safe surgical interventions, particularly in oncology. This research introduces a parallel monitoring of temperature and viscoelasticity in biological tissues utilizing the combination of Optical Backscatter Reflectometry (OBR) and Brillouin Light Scattering during laser thermal ablation. The integration of OBR provides high resolved temperature mapping employing Scattering-Level Multiplexing including parallelly spacing Nanoparticles-doped fibers along the surface of the chicken samples. We achieved precise mapping of ablation zones and monitored viscoelastic changes using Brillouin Light Scattering. This integrated approach enhances the safety and effectiveness of laser ablation therapies, especially for treating tumors in delicate areas like skin and bladder.
13310-14
25 January 2025 • 2:25 PM - 2:40 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Fiber-based endoscopes provide minimally invasive access to internal tissues and organs for high-resolution lensless imaging, essential in biomedical diagnostics. Thanks to the simplified light propagation characteristics multicore fibers (MCFs) are prime candidates for lensless fiber endoscopes. However, challenges like low light collection efficiency and wavefront distortion limit their widespread application. We propose two laser-based processing methods to address these issues: thermal expansion of cores and surface ablation. The first method allows for increasing the core diameter at the end-face of the MCF without changing the diameter of the fiber, significantly improving the light collection efficiency and image contrast. Surface ablation on the MCF's end-face enables precise optical phase conjugation. Both methods can be applied simultaneously, enhancing light collection and wavefront correction, creating a robust tool for lensless flexible endoscopic imaging. We demonstrate experimentally the effectiveness of the modified MCF in wide-field imaging with video rate.
13310-15
25 January 2025 • 2:40 PM - 2:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Endo-Venous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is emerging as one of most important minimally invasive procedures to treat varicose veins, with reduced patient discomfort compared to more traditional methods. It relies on a laser to collapse and sclerose vein walls and recent trends are favoring the use of 1900 nm Thulium-doped fiber lasers for their very localized heat effect. However, the surgical procedure is still in development and thus discrepancies exist in the literature regarding the optimal laser irradiation dose. This work is aimed at developing an applicator that combines laser beam delivery with temperature sensing capabilities to provide the surgeon with real-time feedback. To this end the fiber tip is properly treated using a femtosecond laser both to optimize the light irradiation and to induce fiber Bragg grating-based thermometers. Initial tests on egg white phantoms, simulating vascular veins, showed promising results, in good agreement with the values found in clinical trials.
13310-16
25 January 2025 • 2:55 PM - 3:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Here we present a Kalman filter/AI hybrid optical coherence tomography (OCT) M-scan boundary tracking algorithm for the pneumatic dissection of Descemet’s membrane (DM) in the deep anterior layer keratoplasty (DALK) procedure. By using the Kalman filter, the proposed method can generate a smoother layer segmentation result from AI-segmented OCT M-mode images for tracking the DM layer and needle precisely. Initial ex vivo testing demonstrates the proposed approach significantly increases the segmentation accuracy in comparison to AI methods without the Kalman filter. This can provide more consistent and precise depth sensing results, which has great potential to improve surgical safety and ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes.
13310-17
25 January 2025 • 3:10 PM - 3:25 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Photoacoustic spectroscopy using mid-infrared light enables non-invasive analysis of biological tissue components.
In photoacoustic spectroscopy, which detects ultrasonic waves generated by irradiation with pulsed infrared light, a method of inducing resonance by varying the pulse modulation frequency was investigated. This method was used to obtain photoacoustic spectra of human skin. Pre- and post-prandial measurements were performed over several days to investigate the feasibility of analysing blood components. The results showed that changes in measurement site, shape and daily baseline made the analysis of blood components difficult. Therefore, an investigation to reduce spectral variability is also being carried out.
13310-18
25 January 2025 • 3:25 PM - 3:40 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Sutures and staples are commonly used in surgery to bond tissues together. Yet, it present several drawbacks such as danger of tears, leakages and infection, which are more pronounced in minimally invasive surgeries. To avoid these complications, research has been conducted to look for alternative surgical techniques. Laser Tissue Soldering (LTS) is an emerging technology that can form strong watertight bonds and can be used as an alternative to sutures and staples. It only requires thin optical fibers to be performed, making it the ideal candidate for minimally invasive surgery. . Fluorescent nanothermometers that work in the biological optical windows can be used to guide the procedure, especially when used to control surgical robotic platforms. In this work we show how the fluorescence of the nanothermometers can be used in robotic minimally invasive surgeries to provide the key guidance needed to achieve the optimal tissue bonding with minimal surrounding thermal damage.
13310-19
25 January 2025 • 3:40 PM - 3:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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This work presents the first integration of hyperspectral imaging and fiber optic sensor-based thermometry to monitor the thermal effects in breast cancer tissue undergoing gold nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy. The study was conducted in vivo on mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer. Real-time thermal monitoring was achieved using 10 fiber Bragg grating sensors in high-resistant polyimide optical fibers and a hyperspectral camera (400-1000 nm wavelength range). The hyperspectral camera enabled tracking the thermal damage and temperature-dependent changes in tissue by assessing the variations of the tissue optical biomarkers. The fiber optic temperature sensors provided real-time internal tumor temperature data, allowing for the creation of high-resolution thermal maps with 1 mm spatial resolution and 0.1 °C accuracy. The system's effectiveness was validated by monitoring tumor volume over time post-treatment. Results indicate that combining hyperspectral imaging with quasi-distributed sensors enhances in-situ temperature and thermal effect monitoring, potentially improving photothermal therapy outcomes.
Break
Coffee Break 3:55 PM - 4:15 PM
Session 4:
Navigating Commercialization and Regulations in Biophotonics
25 January 2025 • 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chairs:
Viacheslav G. Artyushenko, art photonics GmbH (Germany), Devinder Saini, Molex, LLC (United States)
13310-20
From the diaries of a translational scientist
(Invited Paper)
25 January 2025 • 4:15 PM - 4:40 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Since my early days as a scientist, I've been passionate about translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications to enhance healthcare and wellbeing. My journey began with the development of an optical fiber for mid-infrared radiation transmission, which was licensed to several medical lasers and optics companies and is still in use today. This invention led to the creation of a thermal imaging bundle for minimally invasive surgery. I noticed a "loss in translation" problem when transferring technology from university research to industry. To address this, I decided to translate technologies developed in my lab into commercial clinical products myself. One such product was a device for identifying bacteria in clinical settings using mid-infrared spectroscopy. My interest goes beyond the technology itself to include crucial aspects of technology development, such as ethically aligned design, team science, and the science of translation. Currently, we are working on a new project involving a method and system to image pupil movements under closed eyelids. I will discuss the progress and path of various projects, outlining my journey through the translation stages.
13310-21
25 January 2025 • 4:40 PM - 5:05 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Seven years ago, after successfully obtaining a few translational funds, I started a medical device start-up named LIV Medical Technologies Inc. LIV stands for Light, Imaging, and Vision. I had a clear picture of the device, market, etc. but without partners. Desperate for employees but with no funds to support them, I enlisted the part-time help of my former students and colleagues who were already too busy with their full-time commitments. Soon I became an administrator, financial officer, engineer, human resources, accounts payable, payroll, compliance officer, and all other roles that I didn’t even know existed. In this talk, I will summarize my struggles and hope that you don’t have to repeat them.
13310-22
Laser and optical radiation safety evaluation in emerging biophotonics technology and medical devices
(Invited Paper)
25 January 2025 • 5:05 PM - 5:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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The emerging biophotonics technologies involving nonionizing laser and incoherent optical radiation systems have been developed for a wide range of biomedical applications. However, the translation of these technologies to clinical device applications presents challenges associated with the requirement for thorough evaluation and review of laser and optical radiation safety (LORS) and efficacy concerns as well as the lack of comprehensive standard maximum permissible exposure (MPE) database related to the safety limits for various nonstandard tissues, since the current standard MPE database is limited to ocular and skin tissue only. The presentation will highlight the recent developments of novel test methodologies for LORS and efficacy evaluation of emerging biophotonics technologies and medical devices. These methodologies are based on integrating the advanced features of state-of-the-art optical imaging and sensing technologies and approaches such as high-resolution fiber-optic sensing, confocal and optical coherence tomography imaging, infrared spectroscopy and imaging, and multifunctional analytical modeling.
BiOS Hot Topics
25 January 2025 • 7:00 PM - 8:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
Every year at BiOS the community gathers at Saturday Night Hot Topics to hear the latest innovations in the biophotonics field. Don't miss this year's fast-paced program of world-class speakers. Open to all registered technical attendees.
13306-500
Sensing of the surgical field enabled by vision and robotics
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 7:00 PM - 7:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13310-500
Live imaging of retinal cell dynamics with dynamic full field OCT
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 7:10 PM - 7:20 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13334-500
Shining light on gut feelings
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 7:20 PM - 7:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13333-500
Interferometric diffuse optics: recent advances and future outlook
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 7:30 PM - 7:40 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13321-500
Investigating tissue mechanopathology with speckle techniques
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 7:40 PM - 7:50 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13338-500
See the whole movie: continuous real-time monitoring of microphysiological systems with photonic sensors
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 7:50 PM - 8:00 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13311-500
From saliva to surgery: Raman spectroscopy with open sourced software provides diagnostics for viruses and cancer
(Plenary Presentation)
25 January 2025 • 8:00 PM - 8:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
Session 5:
Advanced Optical Methods for Environmental Monitoring
26 January 2025 • 8:00 AM - 10:05 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Mathias Belz, Lytegate GmbH (Germany)
13310-102
26 January 2025 • 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Salmonella continues to be a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., resulting in millions of infections annually and costing $4.1 billion. Traditional detection methods are costly and time-consuming, limiting rapid identification. This study develops a fiber optics-based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensor designed to detect Salmonella in raw turkey rinsate samples. The sensor uses nanoantenna arrays on a side-polished multimode optical fiber core, amplifying light intensity. A 3D-printed structure facilitates polishing the fiber and maximizing reflection. Housed in a chamber for sample loading, the sensor detects Salmonella by analyzing Raman spectral fingerprints. The nanoantenna arrays feature disks (300–800 nm) with periodicities of 1µm and 0.7µm. The sensor demonstrated high specificity for Salmonella, with an LOD of 0.3–0.5 cells/mL and a 10-minute detection time. Smaller disk spacing, larger diameters, and larger sensing areas enhanced sensitivity. It also detected multiple Salmonella serovars, including Enteritidis and Typhimurium.
13310-23
26 January 2025 • 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Inorganic mercury (Hg2+) pollution of water is a crucial issue for Public health due to several damages it can cause
to both animals and humans and continuous monitoring of water samples is fundamental for preventing a widespread
contamination. In this work we present an innovative portable biosensor for mercury detection in water samples composed of an engineered E. coli as bioreporter element which emits photons in presence of mercury and a silicon photo multiplier (SiPM) optical detector as transduction element. Photons emitted by E. coli will be related to mercury concentration and revealed by SiPM that transduces an optical signal in an electrical one. The proposed system has shown great specificity and sensitivity towards mercury without any cross-correltion to others heavy metals reaching a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.15 ug/L, lower than the tolerance value of 1 ug/L imposed by World Health Organization (WHO). Thanks to these features, the developed miniaturized and easy-to-use biosensor can work in situ to monitor water quality.
13310-24
26 January 2025 • 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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This work describes a proprietary polarised Raman spectroscopic setup which is then used for the first time ever demonstrate polarised Raman spectrosocpic measurements on microplastic fibre.
13310-25
Transforming environmental analysis with Raman and SERS spectroscopy: rapid on-site monitoring of agricultural and industrial pollutants
(Invited Paper)
26 January 2025 • 8:45 AM - 9:10 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Environmental monitoring of chemical pollutants is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and ensuring public safety. Among the various contaminants, fertilizer run-offs, such as phosphates and nitrates, pose significant risks due to their toxicity. While accurate, traditional analytical methods often require complex sample preparation and laboratory-based instrumentation. In this context, field-based monitoring using handheld and portable Raman spectroscopy technologies can be transformational, providing rapid, non-destructive analysis with minimal sample preparation.
13310-26
26 January 2025 • 9:10 AM - 9:25 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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We designed and demonstrated a drilled gas-infusion hole configuration over a hollow core fiber (HCF) that improves the gas diffusion rate into the fiber core for detection of carbon dioxide down to concentration levels of ~5000ppm using Raman spectroscopy. Compared to the pristine HCF fiber which relies on diffusion through the fiber ends only, the gas diffusion rate is significantly improved up to ~8.4x due to the additional diffusion inlets into the hollow core provided by the distributed drilled holes. Fiber lengths from 10cm to 1m and multiple hole configurations were tested to maximize the diffusion rate improvement while balancing the losses in the Raman signal throughput power induced by the physical fiber lattice damage caused by the drilling. For a 50cm long HCF, placing two holes total, each one-third of the fiber length from the respective ends gave the optimal balance of optical throughput and gas diffusion rate improvement. LLNL-ABS-866878.
13310-27
26 January 2025 • 9:25 AM - 9:50 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Reliable monitoring of water systems is crucial for human and ecological health. The lead time between sampling and analysis delays responses to naturally occurring events (i.e. changes in salinity, metabolic activity, etc.) and manmade contamination events. Here, we employ plasmonic metasurfaces as 'nano-tastebud' sensors for monitoring the composition of and changes in various water sources. This system, optimized through chemometric analysis, can offer real-time data enhancing response times, helping guide policy, and optimizing water treatment to reduce energy use and carbon footprint.
13310-28
26 January 2025 • 9:50 AM - 10:05 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Recent studies suggest that microplastic ingestion through water has increased significantly. Here, we propose an economical, portable optical sensor for microplastic detection in water. Our approach involves fabricating 1 to 3-micron tapered fiber using the heat and pull technique. The tapered fiber tip is immersed in 1 mL solution of polystyrene microplastics ranging from 0.01 mg/mL to 0.03mg/mL. The tapered fiber is connected to a 1550 nm laser through a circulator, and reflected power is measured. The sensor operates on the principle that varying microplastic concentration alters the effective refractive index, and high surface tension of water keeps microplastic closer to the fiber tip and increases scattering, both leading to increased power loss. We show that our sensor can achieve the detection limit of 0.01 mg/mL and sensitivity of 6 µW/mg/ml. We anticipate that the proposed sensing modality will lead toward an accurate, portable, and easy-to-use optical sensor for in-field microplastic detection in water.
Break
Coffee Break 10:05 AM - 10:25 AM
Session 6:
Advancements in Quantum Cascade Lasers and Photonics for Sensing
26 January 2025 • 10:25 AM - 12:15 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Katy Roodenko, Max-IR Labs., LLC (United States)
13310-29
Quantum Cascade lasers for sensing
(Keynote Presentation)
26 January 2025 • 10:25 AM - 11:10 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
The quantum cascade laser has opened the mid-infrared for sensing applications. A key feature of that device is that through quantum engineering, emission can be achieved throughout the mid-infrared from the same active region material. On important novel developments is the quantum cascade surface emitting laser promise, through the very low footprint and dissipation, enables cheap and portable sensors. The other is the quantum walk laser, in which the emission spectrum can be engineered actively by radiofrequency injection.
13310-30
Quantum Cascade lasers in 2025: sensing applications, new methods and latest developments
(Invited Paper)
26 January 2025 • 11:10 AM - 11:35 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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We recap the history and evolution of Quantum Cascade Lasers, from their discovery 30 years ago to current applications. On the one hand the workhorse DFB chip has seen dramatic improvements in power consumption which has allowed integration of CW devices in standardized housing. This has allowed multiple operation modes to be used. As each method comes with tradeoffs in terms of peak power, tuning range and tuning speed, we will discuss how to select the ideal method depending on the use case. On the other hand, we will also describe how different modern QCL products can be used to address some of the harmful trade-offs required by simple DFB devices.
13310-31
Integrated photonics circuits as transducers for refractive index sensing in liquid chromatography and mid-IR photothermal spectroscopy
(Invited Paper)
26 January 2025 • 11:35 AM - 12:00 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Silicon-based chips containing the Silicon Nitride (SiN) photonic integrated circuits (PIC) such as ring resonators and Mach-Zehnder interferometers can be used for refractive index sensing. By combining these structures with already established chemical sensing techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or photothermal spectroscopy (PTS) selectivity can be added to the refractive index measurements. We present a setup using PIC based Mach-Zehnder interferometers and ring resonators equipped with microfluidics as transducers for chemical sensing in HPLC and mid-IR laser based PTS. The devices can be used for a broad range of sensing applications including the detection of sugars or the measurement of analytes in solvents.
13310-32
26 January 2025 • 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Mid-infrared laser-based sensing is widely used for the detection and quantification of trace gases for environmental monitoring, industrial process control, defense, and security applications. However, such laser spectroscopy-based field instruments require frequent calibration to correct for long-term drifts and precision. In many situations, such calibrations may be redundant and may not be effective in monitoring instrument errors or discriminating “real” environmental effects with instrument drifts. This paper shows an adaptive and auto-calibration methodology to account for drifts during field deployments and an adaptive and machine-learning-based method to validate environmental changes, e.g., plume detection, diurnal variations, and flux emissions. We show that physics and diffusion-based models can be developed to predict better gradual or rapid changes in density at given temperatures and appropriate source characterizations.
Break
Lunch Break 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Session 7:
Cutting-Edge Fiber and Chip Technologies for Biomedical Applications
26 January 2025 • 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Yuji Matsuura, Tohoku Univ. (Japan)
13310-33
26 January 2025 • 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
We have developed an optical fiber-based module that can automatically scan, select, retrieve, and transfer single cells, and cell clusters. Cell picking and isolation have several applications such as separating circulating tumor cells, isolating single fetal cells for prenatal testing, and others. Our Lab-in-a-Fiber (LiF) module can automatically scan the given sample and detect fluorescent cancer cells (MCF-7) from a mixture of labeled and unlabelled cells and pick them up for further analysis. A unique feature of our work is using non-image-based cell selection criteria which makes our fiber device useful for in-vivo applications. The fiber device has a small footprint which makes it ideal for reaching difficult parts of the body (e.g. Pancreas) for biopsy or targeted chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
13310-34
26 January 2025 • 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Current cancer treatment faces challenges in early diagnosis and targeted therapy, as it is difficult to selectively target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. To bridge this gap, we have developed a photonic platform for loco-regional cancer therapy based on Lab-on-Fiber (LOF) technology by integrating optical resonant nanostructures and smart materials into the tips and sides of the optical fiber (OF) to develop advanced biomedical devices. Thermoresponsive polymer carriers (microgels) loaded with drugs have been combined with LOF probes that convert light into temperature gradients to trigger controlled drug release. We have also developed a minimally invasive OF device for the localized, light-controlled release of drug-loaded particles (dNPs). These OFs have been optimized for power density and scattering efficiency and use a photocleavable linker for dNPs binding. The release of the dNPs and the drug was measured spectrophotometrically and the therapeutic effect on liver and breast cancer cells was validated.
13310-35
26 January 2025 • 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Scintillation-based fiber dosimeters are a powerful tool for minimally invasive localized real-time monitoring of the dose rate during brachytherapy (BT). We present a fabrication method for mass manufacturing of scintillating sensor tips which are to be attached to polymer optical fiber (POF) to enable fiber-optic dosimetry. The scintillating sensor tips consist of inorganic scintillators, dispersed in a polymer host. The manufacturing is done by means of a custom compression and transfer moulding process implemented on a commercially available hot embossing machine. We show the manufacturing of 237 sensor tips, which are subsequently attached to the end of the POF using UV-curable adhesive. Finally, we perform dosimetry experiments in water phantoms which show a great potential for in-vivo dosimetry for brachytherapy, both for Low Dose Rate (LDR) and High Dose Rate (HDR) BT.
13310-36
26 January 2025 • 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Advances in laser technology have enabled the measurement of high concentrations of proteins in water in the mid-IR region, hence allowing access to the rich information provided by the amide-I band. However, there is still information to be gained about the secondary structure of proteins by linking mid-IR spectroscopy to circular dichroism spectroscopy. In this work we introduce a new chemometric approach to combine data from these two analytical techniques to extract the most information about protein secondary structure across a large range of concentrations. Information about the secondary structure intermediate of a model protein is extracted by exploiting the use of multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) applied to the combined data from the two techniques.
13310-37
26 January 2025 • 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Temporal resolution is a key aspect to consider when choosing an imaging technique as it enables the observation of fast dynamics or high throughput imaging if combined with microfluidic channels for sample delivery. In this work we present a microscope on a chip for rare cell imaging that can be used for liquid biopsy applications. Using a pulsed laser as illumination source, 3D integrated optical circuits and fiber-based delay lines, we have demonstrated image acquisition with nanoseconds temporal resolution. This novel integrated approach guarantees ease of use, stable image quality and measurements automation.
13310-38
26 January 2025 • 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
This paper explores the utilization of cross-polarization Optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT), an emerging non-destructive imaging technique, for the identification and characterization of defects within bonded polymeric dental restorations in 3D mode. Polymeric dental restorations or so-called dental composites, while aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective, are susceptible to various defects that can compromise their longevity and performance. These defects may include micro-gaps, voids, debonding, and secondary caries formation. CP-OCT inception in XYZ planes offers the potential for high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of the internal structure of dental restorations. This technique can provide valuable insights into the nature, extent, and location of defects, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions regarding treatment or replacement of the restoration. The findings of this study had contributed to the development of more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for bonded polymeric dental restorations, ultimately improving the quality and durability of dental care. This research was supported by King Abdulaziz University.
Break
Coffee Break 3:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Panel Discussion: Regulatory Pathways and Market Strategies for Optical Technologies Startups
26 January 2025 • 3:35 PM - 5:20 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Join the Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics, Treatment and Environmental Applications XXV conference for this panel discussion. Navigating a complex regulatory landscape and developing effective market entry strategies are critical challenges for startups in the optical technologies sector. This panel will bring together experts from regulatory agencies, industry leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs to discuss unique regulatory pathways and commercialization strategies for optical innovations in the biomedical field. Attendees will gain insights into the U.S. FDA approval process and the latest trends in regulatory science that impact optical technologies. In addition, this session will provide guidance on market access strategies, such as engaging with key opinion leaders and leveraging partnerships for distribution and commercialization. The goal of this panel is to discuss practical tools and share knowledge to help startups successfully bring their optical innovations to market.
Moderators:
Katy Roodenko, Max-IR Labs., LLC
Israel Gannot, Tel Aviv Univ.
Panelists:
Viacheslav G. Artyushenko, art photonics GmbH
Mathias Belz, Lytegate GmbH
Ilko K. Ilev, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Devinder Saini, Molex, LLC
Gary Spingarn, Hamamatsu Corp.
James Clarkin, WEINERT Fiber Optics GmbH
Moderators:
Katy Roodenko, Max-IR Labs., LLC
Israel Gannot, Tel Aviv Univ.
Panelists:
Viacheslav G. Artyushenko, art photonics GmbH
Mathias Belz, Lytegate GmbH
Ilko K. Ilev, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Devinder Saini, Molex, LLC
Gary Spingarn, Hamamatsu Corp.
James Clarkin, WEINERT Fiber Optics GmbH
Posters-Sunday
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Conference attendees are invited to attend the Sunday BiOS poster session. Come view the posters, enjoy light refreshments, ask questions, and network with colleagues in your field.
Poster Setup: Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
View poster presentation guidelines and set-up instructions at:
https://spie.org/PW/Poster-Guidelines
Poster Setup: Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
View poster presentation guidelines and set-up instructions at:
https://spie.org/PW/Poster-Guidelines
13310-63
Line-field full-field OCT system with 200 mm scanning width for defect inspection of plastic samples
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
We have developed a line-field full-field OCT system that operates in the 1300 nm band. To apply full inspection applications, we developed an objective lens capable of 200-mm scanning composed of three lenses. The fiber-based Michelson interferometer utilized an in-lab wavelength-swept light source with a repetition rate of 100 Hz for high-speed imaging. We demonstrate the performance of the developed OCT system in detecting internal defects in plastic samples.
13310-64
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
We propose a method to further extend the measurement range of CSDI from a few cm to tens of cm. To achieve this property, we employ two CFBGs at the reference end of the CSDI. Applying a strain to one of the two CFBGs can further improve the measurement distance to tens of cm depending on the stretching conditions. We explain how a strained CFBG amplifies the measurement distance and experimentally measures the measurement range characteristics as a function of the strain applied to a single CFBG. An extended range of tens of cm will be demonstrated by presenting a method to extend them to several meters.
13310-65
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Distributed optical fiber sensors have proven to be versatile and highly effective in a range of industrial applications. Specifically, their use in liquid level sensing demonstrates their capability to provide accurate, real-time monitoring in different environments. In this paper, we propose an active distributed fiber sensor system. Enhanced Rayleigh scattering points (ERSP) are fabricated in the high attenuation fiber (HAF) core. Optical power is transmitted together with the sensing signal. The cladding of the HAF and the energy conversion film outside the fiber convert high-power optical energy into thermal energy and heat the fiber. Using HAF eliminates the need for additional power supply to heat the fiber, while ERSP significantly increases the signal-to-noise ratio. Based on this design, distributed level sensing can be achieved in both ambient temperature and cryogenic environment.
13310-66
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Improvements to fibre optic distributed temperature sensing and Raman spectroscopy of biological tissues are demonstrated using a time-resolved spectrometer composed of a CMOS SPAD array offering multiplexed photon counting and therefore rapid measurement and better signal to noise ratio. In the first application, distributed temperature sensing measurements with an accuracy of 1 °C, within 30 s, over 100 m of optical fibre was achieved. In the second application ,the time domain is used to separate fluorescence and Raman signals from the sample and the multimode fibre used for excitation and collection.
13310-67
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Optically pumped atomic magnetometer (OPAM), one of the sensors used for biomagnetic measurements, is an atomic magnetometer that utilizes the nonlinear magneto-optical effect, and has been shown to be capable of measuring minute signals with high sensitivity. One method to further improve the sensitivity of OPAM is to amplify the laser light using a resonator. In this study, we developed a resonator-type OPAM by incorporating a resonator structure consisting of two mirrors into a single-beam single-pass OPAM.
13310-68
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
In this work, a Mach Zehnder interferometer based on optical fiber is used to construct a machine learning model for perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS). A fence was used to position the interferometer system, which was used to record data related to different movements like shaking, climbing, and knocking. Several machine learning models, including as Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, and Gaussian Naive Bayes, were used to analyze the recorded data. Statistical features taken from the optical signal's time-domain representation were used to train these models. A large collection of 14 features was used to describe signal disturbances linked to various kinds of intrusions. These characteristics were carefully chosen to provide low intra-class variability and high separability between different intrusion classes. The models achieved up to 83% classification accuracy while reducing the false alarm rate to 0%.
13310-69
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
In this paper, we report the fabrication of optical fibre sensors functionalised with metal-organic frameworks (MOF) for the detection of the anaesthetic drug propofol. The deposition of MOF onto optical fibres was analysed in real-time via UV-Vis spectroscopy to assess the differences between functionalisation and deposition methods. Initial results of exposure of coated optical fibre sensor to different concentrations of propofol will be reported. The effect of surface functionalization methods of the optical fibre on the structure of the deposited MOF has been investigated. Preliminary results show the potential of application-developed sensors for propofol detection in the gas phase.
13310-70
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Monitoring physiological pressure indices is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring critical health conditions. Key metrics such as intracranial pressure (ICP), instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), gastrointestinal pressure, intracolonic pressure, and bladder pressure provide essential information for assessing diseases like traumatic brain injury, coronary artery diseases, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. Optical fiber sensors, particularly structured Fiber Bragg Gratings (sFBGs) interrogated with Dual Optical Frequency Comb (DOFC), offer advantages over electrical sensors due to their biocompatibility and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This study demonstrates that sFBGs significantly enhance spatial and strain resolution, leading to improved pressure sensitivity. The DOFC method increases the limit of detection and signal-to-noise ratio. DOFC-interrogated sFBGs can potentially provide a minimally invasive solution with enhanced resolution (∼10-20mmHg) for in-vivo pressure sensing applications.
13310-71
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
We propose and demonstrate a distributed dynamic liquid level sensor which hinges on the measurement of the dynamic phase changes in an optical fiber using phase-sensitive frequency domain reflectometry. The proposed scheme allows repeatable, fast measurement of the liquid levels with sub-millimeter spatial resolution along depths of tens of meters which can be used in process control and dynamic overflow monitoring systems.
13310-72
ML-based classification and information-theoretic metrics of instrument drift in laser-based sensing
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Laser-based sensing is commonly used for trace-gas detection and density measurements in environmental, biomedical, and industrial processing applications. Molecular spectroscopy in the mid-infrared region provides sensitive measurements with high selectivity of multiple molecules in a congested spectrum. Therefore, an obvious advantage in detection in the mid-IR region is the fundamental absorption bands of several molecular species. Field instruments with optomechanical multipass cells are prone to drifts emanating from thermal impacts that may limit the measurement sensitivity and precision required for many atmospheric sensing applications. In this paper, we show an integrated information-theoretic and machine learning-based classification method to identify and discriminate the efficacy of instrument thermal drifts. We use the change in the entropy or information as a cumulative measure of the mismatches between the predicted and validation models. We show that entropy is higher when classification mismatches or losses are high, serving as a unique quantitate metric of classification methodology.
13310-73
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Long Period Gratings (LPGs) are a type of optical fiber grating sensor with higher sensitivity than more popular Fiber Bragg gratings. This work details the simulation and fabrication of femtosecond laser point-by-point writing of LPGs in Corning SMF-28 telecommunication fiber. These sensors are employed for temperature sensing and demonstrate a transmission dip center wavelength temperature sensitivity of 12.4 pm/°C. Wavelength-dependent amplitude change is also observed, with a peak shift of -0.005 dB/°C. The effect of writing power on transmission characteristics is investigated as well.
13310-74
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Optical systems for fluorescence or spectroscopy may employ fiber optic couplers to improve the system’s robustness and sensitivity. Common limitations of multimode fiber optic couplers include back-reflections occurring at the fiber-air interfaces and auto-fluorescence, causing background noise. We present different strategies to reduce noise contribution in a Wideband Multimode Circulator (WMC) by implementing connectors with reduced back-reflections, using high-angle polishing (reduction of 21 dB) or anti-reflective coating (reduction of 16 dB), and testing a low autofluorescence packaging (reduction of 4.2 dB). These improved features allow for increased SNR.
13310-75
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Development and testing of fiber optic gas sensors utilizing Lossy Mode Resonance (LMR) phenomenon. Uncladded multimode silica optical fiber has been selected as substrate and a nanoscale coating of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) has been deposited; the latter representing both the LMR-supporting layer and the sensitive element. For gas detection, the PPO-based LMR sensor was tested with different volatile organic and inorganic compounds, achieving detection limits in the low ppm range. To be employed in a variety of applications, such as environmental monitoring, leak detections, as well as chemical and biological research for medical diagnostics.
13310-76
26 January 2025 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
A high resolution distributed optical fiber system for spectrophotometric analysis of liquids is proposed. The sensor is based on a light diffusing fiber (LDF) that acts as a continuous distributed detector. The fiber is illuminated by a high-density addressable LED strip is placed parallel to the LDF. The light emitted by a single LED of the strip passes through the liquid sample, couples to the LDF and is detected at the end of the fiber by a mini spectrometer. By sequentially turning on each LEDs of the strip, distributed spectroscopic analysis of the liquid sample can be performed along the entire fiber length. Optical absorption spectroscopy in the whole visible range by white emitting LED has been implemented. The proposed approach enables a continuous spatial localization and quantification of analytes in liquids, like azo dyes, along a sensing length of 1m with a spatial resolution of 12mm and a limit of detection lower than 1ppm.
Biophotonics Focus: Nanophotonics and Imaging
26 January 2025 • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
Hear experts working with nanotechnology and various imaging modalities describe how these tools can work together to advance diagnostics and therapeutics. All technical registration attendees are invited to attend.
13335-500
Quantum dots in biomedical imaging: a journey of nano-explorations
(Plenary Presentation)
26 January 2025 • 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13335-501
Nanophononics and bioimaging advancing nanomedicine to impact healthcare
(Plenary Presentation)
26 January 2025 • 7:30 PM - 7:50 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13337-500
Plasmonic nanoparticles for sustainability and societal impact
(Plenary Presentation)
26 January 2025 • 7:50 PM - 8:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
13335-502
Application of nanoparticles in anticancer combination therapies: influence of nanoparticle absorption dynamics on therapeutic effect
(Plenary Presentation)
26 January 2025 • 8:10 PM - 8:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 207/215 (Level 2)
Session 8:
Advanced Optical Sensing and Signal Processing Techniques
27 January 2025 • 8:25 AM - 9:55 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Justin R. Sperling, Univ. of Glasgow (United Kingdom)
13310-39
27 January 2025 • 8:25 AM - 8:40 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) has become a powerful tool for safety and integrity monitoring due to its ability to detect and analyze a wide range of environmental parameters over long distances. This paper focuses on the design and evaluation of a cloud-based system for realtime data storage, signal processing and event extraction in a DAS along a 110-km fiber with meter-scale spatial resolution. The integration of a cloud-based service allows for efficient data handling and processing, enabling real-time analysis necessary for the monitoring of concurrent, dynamic events. This approach not only enhances the accuracy and scope of distributed sensing but also provides a scalable and flexible solution to address the growing needs of large-scale environmental monitoring systems.
13310-40
Experimental earthquake early detection through polarization changes in intelligent optical networks
27 January 2025 • 8:40 AM - 8:55 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
In this manuscript, we emulated an earthquake in a laboratory based experiment, by emulating the effect induced by real earthquake ground displacement values on light’s polarization along a metropolitan fiber cable. Numerous sets of polarization evolution data were extracted from the experiment using an optical scrambler, fiber optic cable and a polarimeter after injecting light from a tunable laser. The main objective is to test our machine learning model in detecting primary wave in an experimental event and perform a comparative analysis with our previous findings conducted with the same machine learning model, but on computer based simulations of optical fiber cables. The results show that the model achieved over 95% of accuracy in both computer based simulation and real fiber experiment. These promising results suggest that the implementation of our system in real networks enables rapid initiation of early warning systems, emergency plans, and effective earthquake countermeasures.
13310-41
27 January 2025 • 8:55 AM - 9:10 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
The nitric oxide radical plays pivotal roles in physiological as well as atmospheric contexts. We use a system known as FLOWER (Frequency Locked Optical Whispering Evanescent Resonator) to track the real-time resonance frequency shift response of a microtoroid optical resonator to nitric oxide with sub-femtometer resolution. We demonstrate detection of NO at concentrations as low as 6.4 ppt, which is the lowest reported to date. Additionally, the performance of the sensor remained consistent across different humidity environments. Lastly, the impact of the chemical composition and molecular weight of the novel ferrocene-containing polymeric coatings on sensing performance was evaluated. We anticipate that our results will have impact on a wide variety of fields where NO sensing is important such as medical diagnostics through exhaled breath, determination of planetary habitability, marine science, climate change, air quality monitoring, and treating cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
13310-42
27 January 2025 • 9:10 AM - 9:25 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Vibration signal detection has been applied in various fields of industrial control, gas sensing, medical diagnosis, earthquake monitoring and so on. Especially in the field of vibro-acoustic analysis, high-sensitivity monitoring method is crucial for weak signal detection. Here we introduce a series of sensitivity-enhanced fiber-optic vibration sensors. 1) An extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) acoustic sensor is reported, which is constructed by an in-fiber collimator, adjustable 45° mirror and a cantilever. 2) An EFPI based acceleration sensor is proposed. Based on a novel lever and buckled beam structure, deflection is highly amplified, which is further monitored through EFPI structure. Both proposed sensors realize sensitivity enhancement up to ten times. With high sensing performance, low-cost and enhanced robustness, the proposed sensors make them promising candidate for vibration monitoring.
13310-43
27 January 2025 • 9:25 AM - 9:40 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
When measuring molecular contents in a gas sample, strong absorptions from species such as water vapor and carbon dioxide can impose a strong background. This hinders robust detection of molecular species present at the lowest possible concentrations. Here we present Modulated Ringdown Comb Interferometry, a new technique that enables detection of the weakest absorption features on top of the strongest for unprocessed gas samples. We demonstrate with an instrument that can highly effectively measure over 1,000 cm-1 mid infrared spectral coverage, over 4 km effective absorption path length, and at rotational-vibrational quantum state resolution. Up to 20 distinct species in exhaled human breath and ambient air are quantified simultaneously down to > 1 parts-per-trillion detection sensitivity at highly efficient, near fully-automated settings.
13310-44
27 January 2025 • 9:40 AM - 9:55 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
We present a cavity attenuated phase shift spectroscopy (CAPS)-based robust and inexpensive fiber optic sensor for humidity sensing applications. We prepared a tapered fiber of ~10 𝜇m and coated the tapered fiber with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The PMMA-coated tapered fiber was spliced between two fiber Bragg gratings to realize an optical cavity for conducting CAPS measurements. As a sensing head, we placed the tapered fiber in a home-built humidity chamber. When the humidity increases in the chamber, the water vapors are absorbed by the tapered fiber’s PMMA coating, leading to a change in the effective index experienced by the cavity. Consequently, the cavity losses change, which induces the phase shift change in the CAPS signal. Our experimental results show that the sensor provides a linear relationship between 45% and 70% RH with a sensitivity of 0.246 degrees/%RH and a fast reaction time of around 1 s. We anticipate the current work will lead to a viable relative humidity sensor for various agriculture and food safety applications.
Break
Coffee Break 9:55 AM - 10:25 AM
Session 9:
Innovations in Plasmonic and Photonic Sensing Technologies
27 January 2025 • 10:25 AM - 11:10 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Justin R. Sperling, Univ. of Glasgow (United Kingdom)
13310-46
27 January 2025 • 10:25 AM - 10:40 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
The capacity to manipulate light at the subwavelength scale is essential for the downsizing of optical devices to a size suitable with contemporary nanoelectronic circuits. Surface plasmons are a tool that can be used to alter light at the nanoscale scale in the rapidly developing field of plasmonics. Artificial electromagnetic structures that provide material properties not present in nature are called metamaterials. Here, we use the thermally tunable semiconductor nanowires inserted into the host material to reveal an extraordinarily broad tunability of propagating SPs. An increase in temperature causes the frequency range of surface waves to increase.
13310-47
27 January 2025 • 10:40 AM - 10:55 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on hollow gold nanospheres deposited on the tip of an optical fiber sensor was studied. The refractive and absorption spectra were simulated. The effects of nanospheres’ radius, shell thickness, and interparticle distance on LSPR peak shift and refractive index sensitivity were analyzed. It was shown that appropriate for biological application sensor sensitivity (approximately 200 nm/RI) is reached when the interparticle distance is close to the nanosphere radius. Moreover, compared with solid gold nanospheres, hollow gold nanospheres demonstrated better recognition of LSPR-peaks and lower dependence on interparticle distance, which also should provide better sensitivity in real utilization.
13310-48
27 January 2025 • 10:55 AM - 11:10 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Most immunoassays today use end-point detection methods that require several labour-intensive wash steps before each measurement. Recent advances have led to the development of several surface-sensitive transduction methodologies with evanescent excitation or evanescent collection being used. However, we have not come across transducers that use both evanescent excitation and collection to maximize surface sensitivity. In this work, we present a novel waveguide transducer that uses the evanescent field to excite surface bound fluorophores and collects only the exponentially decaying supercritical angle fluorescence emission from them. In addition, the use of photonic integrated circuits has made it possible to integrate structures that can filter out excitation light and improve the sensor’s dynamic range.
Break
Lunch Break 11:10 AM - 12:40 PM
Session 10:
Innovative Optical and Sensor Technologies in Biomedical Applications
27 January 2025 • 12:40 PM - 1:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chairs:
James P. Clarkin, WEINERT Fiber Optics GmbH (United States), Ilko K. Ilev, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (United States)
13310-49
27 January 2025 • 12:40 PM - 12:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has found several applications in non-invasive, medical diagnosis. Tissue properties such as the attenuation coefficient (AC), provide an important source of contrast to differentiate healthy and diseased tissue. Accurate measurement of the AC require removal of system degrading effects caused by the confocal function and sensitivity roll-off. Currently, the two effects are estimated separately and may require prior knowledge of the system specifications. We present a new method for single-shot extraction of both functions from two vertically-shifted A-scans (or B-scans) of a sample. The combined function is modeled as a linear combination of basis functions and requires no prior knowledge of OCT system parameters. The greater degrees of freedom afforded by the basis functions results in better data-to-model fit than existing methods for confocal function and fall-off function measurement.
13310-50
27 January 2025 • 12:55 PM - 1:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Cardiovascular diseases are the primary global cause of death, with fluctuating trends in deaths over the years. Arterial stiffness is associated with heart diseases and can be measured using pulse wave velocity. New sensors are being developed to measure PWV due to cost and complexity of commercial systems. Our study introduces two arterial pulse sensors for PWV detection and validation setup. The sensors use a 3D printed tube enclosing a polymer optical fiber to measure changes in reflected light. A high-power LED emits light through a POF coupler, with reflected light measured by a data acquisition device. Validation was done using a test bench to simulate arterial behavior. Tests were conducted at various distances to assess the sensor's ability to detect pulse wave delay.
13310-51
27 January 2025 • 1:10 PM - 1:25 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
This paper presents a technique for cardiac rate and blood pressure monitoring using fiber Bragg grating sensors. A wearable FBG-based sensing wristband with adjustable air bag was fabricated. After pressuring the air bag, the FBG sensors monitored cardiac rate by detecting pulse vibrations in the wrist area. Blood pressure was determined based on the pulse wave signals. The sensing wristband can achieve real time cardiovascular monitoring with a high resolution of
0.02 ms. Machine learning is used for cardiovascular diseases diagnosis. The experimental results show that compared with other traditional sensing devices, our sensing wristband is more compact, has a higher resolution and a faster response time.
13310-52
27 January 2025 • 1:25 PM - 1:40 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
The study and comparison of biological signals are crucial to improving prosthetic control. The most used approaches are surface electromyography (sEMG) and force myography (FMG). Recent works have shown FMG sensors with high pattern recognition accuracy comparable with sEMG, although with a better signal-to-noise ratio, and less impact of sweating. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors can be used to fabricate FMG sensors, because of their high sensitivity to strain, flexibility, and robustness to electrical noise. This work aims to validate an FMG sensor composed of an FBG sensor embedded into a 3D-printed flexible structure, by comparing it with a commercial sEMG sensor using machine learning methods. Studies on FMG optical fiber sensors are important because they are better alternatives in environments with high levels of electromagnetic noise. In addition, the advances in photonics will allow miniaturization and the implementation of these sensors in daily activities.
13310-53
Temperature and flow rate measurements with multiplexed FBG sensors embedded in microfluidic devices
27 January 2025 • 1:40 PM - 1:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
This paper proposed a temperature and flow rate dual-parameter sensor based on multiplexed fiber Bragg grating embedded in microfluidic chip. The medical grade plastic film was cut into designed shape by femtosecond laser and then stacked layer by layer to form the microfluidic chip. A fiber with two FBG sensors was embedded near the fluid channel. The flow sensor was surrounded with plastic films. When liquid is injected into the microfluidic chip, the liquid bring pressure on the plastic film, which can be detected by the FBG. The flow rate can be obtained based on the calibration results of flow rates and pressure. The temperature sensor is covered by an acrylic layer, which is only sensitive to temperature, thereby compensating the temperature influence of the flow sensor. The experimental results shows that the dual-parameter sensor can accurately measured the temperature and flow rate with a sensitivity of 0.2°C and 500 µL/min.
Break
Coffee Break 1:55 PM - 2:15 PM
Session 11:
Advanced Spectroscopy and ISRU Technologies for Space Exploration
27 January 2025 • 2:15 PM - 3:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Katy Roodenko, Max-IR Labs., LLC (United States)
13310-54
Fiber-based time-domain spectroscopy: an emerging alternative to Raman and FTIR spectroscopy in space exploration or environmental studies?
(Invited Paper)
27 January 2025 • 2:15 PM - 2:40 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Robotic missions to objects in our solar system are nowadays often equipped with
instruments allowing to explore the geochemistry of the surfaces by e.g. identification of their
characteristic vibrational fingerprints. Femtosecond fiber lasers have in recent years been shown to be in
principle space qualified, opening up the opportunity to explore the potential of different time-domain techniques as compact, robust alternatives to e.g. Raman spectroscopy or FTIR
spectroscopy. In this contribution the potential of two time-domain techniques: (i) coherent
phonon spectroscopy (CPS) and (ii) THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS), as emerging in-situ
spectroscopic techniques to identify solids by their characteristic phonon spectra is discussed based
on exemplarily measurements of different (planetary) materials. It is shown that: (i) CPS can give
access to the raman-active phonon spectra equibvalent to Raman spectroscopy but is not hampered
by fluorescence backgrounds and (ii) THz-TDS allows to probe the infrared-active fingerprint of
matter while avoiding bulky (cryogenic) infrared detectors. The current status of the development of a compact all-fiber based instrument is discussed.
13310-55
An overview of Lunar ISRU architectures and systems
(Invited Paper)
27 January 2025 • 2:40 PM - 3:05 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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This is a review of some current ISRU architectures, processes, and systems with a focus on the sensing needs in each. Methods to partner with NASA to develop technologies to enable ISRU on the moon and elsewhere are also discussed.
13310-56
Integrated LIBS and mid-infrared spectroscopy of lunar regolith
(Invited Paper)
27 January 2025 • 3:05 PM - 3:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) have evolved to be suitable for developing and deploying science instruments for planetary missions. For instance, the NASA Mars rover missions included a suite of instruments (SUPERCAM) with laser spectrometers and LIBS instruments. Both combined can provide a critical chemical composition and quantitative detection of trace gases, solids, and liquids from excited electronics state and rotational, vibrational transitions. LIBS enables rapid in situ detection, spectral information of multi-elemental targets, and profile of lighter elements. In the LIBS technique, a laser is used to ablate a small amount of the sample of interest and turn it into a luminous microplasma, which is then analyzed spectroscopically. In this paper, we show the LIBS study of Lunar regolith, e.g., Lunar Mare and Lunar Highlands simulants. The paper will explore the electrical and physical properties of lunar regolith to enable electrically modified coatings of the lander for dust discharge. In addition, we also investigate the retention of water molecules in these regolith simulants using MIR laser spectroscopy.
13310-57
27 January 2025 • 3:30 PM - 3:55 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Halide optical materials offer a unique broadband infrared transmission with promise of ultra low-loss optical fiber links. The recent opportunity of optical material processing and fiber manufacturing in space environment provide additional tools for improving the optical properties. These tools include container-less processing and suppression of crystallization and phase separation. In our presentation we review the selection criteria of halide compositions for in-space manufacturing and biomedical sensor applications.
Break
Coffee Break 3:55 PM - 4:15 PM
Session 12:
Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors for Environmental and Industrial Monitoring
27 January 2025 • 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Session Chair:
Mathias Belz, Lytegate GmbH (Germany)
13310-58
27 January 2025 • 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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We present a preliminary study of light propagation in snow using broadband, time-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (TD-DOS) – which is based on the detection of the distribution of Time-of-Flight (ToF) of photons traveling into the sample. It offers certain advantages – i) disentanglement of absorption and scattering; ii) depth sectioning based on the ToF; iii) absolute values of absorption. By performing broadband measurements in the range of 600 – 1100 nm on artificially prepared snow samples, we retrieve the spectrum with the distinct peak of ice observed at 1030 nm. Consequently, we perform long temporal measurements at a room temperature of 19 C to track the change in optical properties as a function of time to observe changes due to melting processes. Finally, we measure samples with added contaminants and attempt to characterize their absorption when frozen along with the snow, followed by a methodical MEDPHOT linearity characterization to assess the absorption retrieval accuracy.
13310-59
27 January 2025 • 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
Show Abstract +
Optical fiber sensors have the potential to be a better candidate for extreme applications like nuclear fusion reactors or spacecrafts. However, optical fibers suffer from an increase in their attenuation when subjected to ionizing radiation called Radiation-Induced Attenuation. Nonetheless RIA can be mitigated through photobleaching, but there is very little known about this topic, specially in the region of very low temperatures we are interested in. In this work we explore the relationship between optical power of the photobleaching light and effectiveness in mitigating the radiation damage of optical fibers at cryogenic temperatures (20 K) and below. We also study the RIA dynamics for these conditions
13310-60
27 January 2025 • 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Hydrogen is an excellent source of energy which is clean, sustainable, and abundant at the same time. However, due to its highly flammable nature even at a concentration level of 4% in air, leakage detection is crucially important. We are proposing an intensity-based fiber optic H2 gas detection sensor using a Pd-Polymer composite layer as a substituted cladding of a multimode fiber. The fabricated sensor is characterized under both dry and humid conditions and found that the sensor can operate under highly humid conditions without losing its efficacy.
13310-61
27 January 2025 • 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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In this paper, we have successfully implemented a method to simultaneously measure temperature and strain through machine learning (ML) in a single fiber Bragg grating (FBG) using fiber Fabry–Pérot tunable filter-based wavelength-swept laser (WSL). A strain of 0 με to 300 με was applied to the FBG, and the temperature applied was approximately 0 °C to 55 °C. We obtained approximately 46,000 datasets including peak information, temperature and strain. We simultaneously predicted temperature and strain using an ML model trained with Python’s Scikit-learn library. The collected data showed a high coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.952.
13310-62
27 January 2025 • 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)
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Accurate monitoring of pH is a key request in various fields due to its significant impact on many industrial and biological processes. Traditional pH measurement methods are limited to occasional use or require expensive and cumbersome equipment for continuous monitoring. The paper presents the development of a microfluidic system for the automatic continuous monitoring of aqueous solutions through the measurement of the pH-induced changes in the fluorescence of some organic dyes. As an example of application, the case of strong alkaline solution is analyzed in detail.
Additional Information
POST-DEADLINE SUBMISSIONS SITE CLOSED 2-December
We are in the process of placing new submissions and the contact author will be notified of acceptance by 16-December
We are in the process of placing new submissions and the contact author will be notified of acceptance by 16-December