Researchers at Caltech’s Department of Medical Engineering have made notable advancements in medical imaging by implementing wavefront shaping techniques drawn from astronomy. This approach addresses the optical distortion that occurs when light passes through biological tissue, similar to how atmospheric scattering affects astronomical observation. By utilizing a "magic mirror" made from photo-refractive crystals, the researchers succeeded in achieving high-speed, high-energy gain, and greater control, which can significantly enhance cancer detection capabilities below the skin.
Wavefront shaping is a method that generates focused light by counteracting distortion. In biological tissues, dynamic factors like blood flow and breathing create fast distortions, complicating image clarity. The team emphasized the necessity of high-speed processing and multiple control metrics, which previous techniques could not meet concurrently. Their innovative use of laser amplification through a gain medium enables the "magic mirror" to reflect light more effectively and achieve better image clarity.
The findings, published in Nature Photonics, indicate that this advancement could lead to improved imaging techniques capable of detecting cancerous cells beneath the skin. According to lead researcher Lihong Wang, achieving simultaneous high-speed, high-energy, and optimal control marks a significant milestone in medical imaging technology.
