Researchers from Aston University have created a new light-based method that has the potential to transform optical communication and non-invasive medical diagnostics.
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The study highlights how Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light—a specialized form of light—could be utilized to enhance imaging and data transmission through biological tissues like skin.
Led by Professor Igor Meglinski, the research team found that OAM light offers remarkable sensitivity and precision, which could potentially reduce the need for invasive procedures such as biopsies or surgeries. This technology might also allow doctors to monitor disease progression and plan treatments with greater accuracy.
OAM light, often known as vortex beams, is a type of structured light with a unique spatial configuration. Vortex beams have previously found applications in fields such as astronomy, microscopy, imaging, metrology, sensing, and optical communications.
The research, conducted by Professor Meglinski in collaboration with scientists from the University of Oulu in Finland, is published in Light Science & Applications, a journal by Nature. The study was recognized by the international optics and photonics organization Optica as one of the year’s most groundbreaking achievements.
One of the study's key findings is that, unlike conventional light, OAM maintains its phase properties while traveling through highly scattering materials. This capability enables it to detect very small changes in refractive index with an accuracy of up to 0.000001, making it far more precise than many existing diagnostic technologies.
By showing that OAM light can travel through turbid or cloudy and scattering media, the study opens up new possibilities for advanced biomedical applications. For example, this technology could lead to more accurate and non-invasive ways to monitor blood glucose levels, providing an easier and less painful method for people with diabetes.
Igor Meglinski, Professor, Institute of Photonic Technologies, Aston University
In a series of carefully controlled experiments, the research team transmitted OAM beams through media with differing turbidity levels and refractive indices. Using advanced detection methods like interferometry and digital holography, they observed and analyzed how the light behaved. The strong alignment between experimental outcomes and theoretical models underscored the effectiveness of the OAM-based approach.
The researchers believe that these findings could lead to significant advancements in fields such as secure optical communication and enhanced biomedical imaging. Adjusting the initial phase of OAM light could unlock further breakthroughs.
The potential for precise, non-invasive transcutaneous glucose monitoring represents a significant leap forward in medical diagnostics. My team’s methodological framework and experimental validations provide a comprehensive understanding of how OAM light interacts with complex scattering environments, reinforcing its potential as a versatile technology for future optical sensing and imaging challenges.
Igor Meglinski, Professor, Institute of Photonic Technologies, Aston University
Journal Reference:
Meglinski, I., et al. (2024) Phase preservation of orbital angular momentum of light in multiple scattering environment. Light Science & Applications. doi.org/10.1038/s41377-024-01562-7.