Effect of an Anaerobic Fermentation Process on 3D-Printed PLA Materials of a Biogas-Generating Reactor.

3D-printed materials are present in numerous applications, from medicine to engineering. The aim of this study is to assess their suitability for an application of interest today, that of testing of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA)-based reactors for biogas production using anaerobic digestion. The impact of temperature, pH, and aqueous phase on the tested bioreactor is investigated, together with the effect of the gaseous phase (i.e., produced biogas). Two batches of materials used separately, one after another inside the bioreactor were considered, in a realistic situation. Two essential parameters inside the reactor (i.e., pH and temperature) were continuously monitored during a time interval of 25 to 30 days for each of the two biogas-generating processes. To understand the impact of these processes on the walls of the bioreactor, samples of 3D-printed material were placed at three levels: at the top (i.e., outside the substrate), in the middle, and at the bottom of the bioreactor. The samples were analyzed using a non-destructive imaging method, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). An in-house developed swept-source (SS) OCT system, master-slave (MS) enhanced, operating at a central wavelength of 1310 nm was utilized. The 3D OCT images related to the degradation level of the material of the PLA samples were validated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The differences between the impact of the substrate on samples situated at the three considered levels inside the reactor were determined and analyzed using their OCT B-scans (optical cross-section images). Thus, the impact of the biogas-generating process on the interior of the bioreactor was demonstrated and quantified, as well as the capability of OCT to perform such assessments. Therefore, future work may target OCT for in situ investigations of such bioreactors.

Optimization of X-ray Investigations in Dentistry Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

The most common imaging technique for dental diagnoses and treatment monitoring is X-ray imaging, which evolved from the first intraoral radiographs to high-quality three-dimensional (3D) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Other imaging techniques have shown potential, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). We have recently reported on the boundaries of these two types of techniques, regarding. the dental fields where each one is more appropriate or where they should be both used. The aim of the present study is to explore the unique capabilities of the OCT technique to optimize X-ray units imaging (i.e., in terms of image resolution, radiation dose, or contrast). Two types of commercially available and widely used X-ray units are considered. To adjust their parameters, a protocol is developed to employ OCT images of dental conditions that are documented on high (i.e., less than 10 µm) resolution OCT images (both B-scans/cross sections and 3D reconstructions) but are hardly identified on the 200 to 75 µm resolution panoramic or CBCT radiographs. The optimized calibration of the X-ray unit includes choosing appropriate values for the anode voltage and current intensity of the X-ray tube, as well as the patient's positioning, in order to reach the highest possible X-rays resolution at a radiation dose that is safe for the patient. The optimization protocol is developed in vitro on OCT images of extracted teeth and is further applied in vivo for each type of dental investigation. Optimized radiographic results are compared with un-optimized previously performed radiographs. Also, we show that OCT can permit a rigorous comparison between two (types of) X-ray units. In conclusion, high-quality dental images are possible using low radiation doses if an optimized protocol, developed using OCT, is applied for each type of dental investigation. Also, there are situations when the X-ray technology has drawbacks for dental diagnosis or treatment assessment. In such situations, OCT proves capable to provide qualitative images.

Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Assessments: Between X-rays Radiography and Optical Coherence Tomography.

A correct diagnosis in dental medicine is typically provided only after clinical and radiological evaluations. They are also required for treatment assessments. The aim of this study is to establish the boundaries from which a modern, although established, imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is more suitable than the common X-ray radiography to assess dental issues and treatments. The most common methods for daily-basis clinical imaging are utilized in this study for extracted teeth (but also for other dental samples and materials), i.e., panoramic, intraoral radiography, and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The advantages of using OCT as an imaging method in dentistry are discussed, with a focus on its superior image resolution. Drawbacks related to its limited penetration depth and Field-of-View (FOV) are pointed out. High-quality radiological investigations are performed, measurements are done, and data collected. The same teeth and samples are also imaged (mostly) with an in-house developed Swept Source (SS)-OCT system, Master-Slave enhanced. Some of the OCT investigations employed two other in-house developed OCT systems, Spectral Domain (SD) and Time Domain (TD). Dedicated toolbars from Romexis software (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) are used to perform measurements using both radiography and OCT. Clinical conclusions are drawn from the investigations. Upsides and downsides of the two medical imaging techniques are concluded for each type of considered diagnosis. For treatment assessments, it is concluded that OCT is more appropriate than radiography in all applications, except bone-related investigations and periodontitis that demand data from higher-penetration depths than possible with the current level of OCT technology.

Dual instrument for in vivo and ex vivo OCT imaging in an ENT department.

A dual instrument is assembled to investigate the usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging in an ear, nose and throat (ENT) department. Instrument 1 is dedicated to in vivo laryngeal investigation, based on an endoscope probe head assembled by compounding a miniature transversal flying spot scanning probe with a commercial fiber bundle endoscope. This dual probe head is used to implement a dual channel nasolaryngeal endoscopy-OCT system. The two probe heads are used to provide simultaneously OCT cross section images and en face fiber bundle endoscopic images. Instrument 2 is dedicated to either in vivo imaging of accessible surface skin and mucosal lesions of the scalp, face, neck and oral cavity or ex vivo imaging of the same excised tissues, based on a single OCT channel. This uses a better interface optics in a hand held probe. The two instruments share sequentially, the swept source at 1300 nm, the photo-detector unit and the imaging PC. An aiming red laser is permanently connected to the two instruments. This projects visible light collinearly with the 1300 nm beam and allows pixel correspondence between the en face endoscopy image and the cross section OCT image in Instrument 1, as well as surface guidance in Instrument 2 for the operator. The dual channel instrument was initially tested on phantom models and then on patients with suspect laryngeal lesions in a busy ENT practice. This feasibility study demonstrates the OCT potential of the dual imaging instrument as a useful tool in the testing and translation of OCT technology from the lab to the clinic. Instrument 1 is under investigation as a possible endoscopic screening tool for early laryngeal cancer. Larger size and better quality cross-section OCT images produced by Instrument 2 provide a reference base for comparison and continuing research on imaging freshly excised tissue, as well as in vivo interrogation of more superficial skin and mucosal lesions in the head and neck patient.

Evaluation of effective noise bandwidth for broadband optical coherence tomography operation.

Key noise parameters in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems employing splitters with a nonflat spectral response are evaluated using a supercontinuum fiber laser source with a spectrum of 450 nm-1700 nm and a time domain OCT architecture based on 1300 nm fiber splitters. The spectral behavior of the splitter leading to balanced detection is measured over a range of 300 nm. Because of spectrally different signals at the balanced detector input a residual excess photon noise term results. A rigorous treatment of this noise term [Appl. Opt.43, 4802 (2004)] introduced two new quantities that take into account the spectral properties of the coupler. In this report, we have evaluated these two noise bandwidth quantities and comparatively assessed the noise behavior predicted by the classical theory with the theory based on the two new noise bandwidths. We show that under certain operating parameters, the additional excess photon noise is twice that predicted for a coupler with a flat spectral response.

Multidimensional en-face OCT imaging of the retina.

Fast T-scanning (transverse scanning, en-face) was used to build B-scan or C-scan optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the retina. Several unique signature patterns of en-face (coronal) are reviewed in conjunction with associated confocal images of the fundus and B-scan OCT images. Benefits in combining T-scan OCT with confocal imaging to generate pairs of OCT and confocal images similar to those generated by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) are discussed in comparison with the spectral OCT systems. The multichannel potential of the OCT/SLO system is demonstrated with the addition of a third hardware channel which acquires and generates indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence images. The OCT, confocal SLO and ICG fluorescence images are simultaneously presented in a two or a three screen format. A fourth channel which displays a live mix of frames of the ICG sequence superimposed on the corresponding coronal OCT slices for immediate multidimensional comparison, is also included. OSA ISP software is employed to illustrate the synergy between the simultaneously provided perspectives. This synergy promotes interpretation of information by enhancing diagnostic comparisons and facilitates internal correction of movement artifacts within C-scan and B-scan OCT images using information provided by the SLO channel.

Simultaneous OCT/SLO/ICG imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate how information from combined coronal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy (SLO) with integrated simultaneous indocyanine green (ICG) dye angiography can be used in the diagnosis of a variety of macular diseases. METHODS: A compact chin-rest-based OCT/confocal imaging system was used to produce the OCT image and excite the fluorescence in the ICG dye. The same eye fundus area can be visualized with coronal (C-scans, en face) OCT and ICG angiography simultaneously. Fast T scanning (transverse scanning, en face) was used to build B- or C-scan OCT images along with confocal SLO views, with and without ICG filtration. The OCT, confocal SLO and ICG fluorescence images were simultaneously presented in a three-screen format. A live mixing channel overlaid the ICG sequence on the coronal OCT slices in a fourth panel for immediate comparison. RESULTS: Thirty eyes were imaged. The pathologic conditions studied included classic and occult neovascular membranes, vascularized RPE detachments, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, traumatic choroidal rupture, diabetic maculopathy, central serous retinopathy, and macular drusen. Images were evaluated with special attention toward identifying novel relationships between morphology and function revealed by the superimposition of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous visualization of an en face (coronal, C-scan) OCT image and of an ICG angiogram, displayed side by side and superimposed, permits more precise correlations between late fluorescence accumulation with structures deep to the retinal surface at the retina-choroid interface. The multiplanar scanning also permits immediate B-scan OCT cross-sectional views of regions of abnormal fluorescence. The paper demonstrates the synergy between the two types of studies, functional and anatomic, in providing a more complete view of the pathologic condition.

Investigations of the eye fundus using a simultaneous optical coherence tomography/indocyanine green fluorescence imaging system.

We develop a dual-channel optical coherence tomography/indocyanine green (OCT/ICG) fluorescence system based on our previously reported ophthalmic OCT/confocal imaging system. The confocal channel is tuned to the fluorescence wavelength range of the ICG dye and light from the same optical source is used to generate the OCT image and to excite the ICG fluorescence. The system enables the clinician to visualize simultaneously en face OCT slices and corresponding ICG angiograms of the ocular fundus, displayed side by side. C-scan (constant depth) and B-scan (cross section) images are collected by fast en face scanning (T-scan). The pixel-to-pixel correspondence between the OCT and angiography images enables the user to precisely capture OCT B-scans at selected points on the ICG confocal images.

Simultaneous optical coherence tomography--Indocyanine Green dye fluorescence imaging system for investigations of the eye's fundus.

We have developed a dual-channel optical coherence tomography-Indocyanine Green dye (OCT-ICG) fluorescence system based on a previously reported ophthalmic OCT confocal imaging system. The confocal channel is tuned to the fluorescence wavelength range of the ICG, and light from the same optical source is used to generate the OCT image and to excite the ICG fluorescence. The system enables the clinician to visualize simultaneously en face OCT slices and corresponding ICG angiograms of the ocular fundus, displayed side by side. C-scan (constant depth) and B-scan (cross section) images are collected by a fast en face scan (T scan). The pixel-to-pixel correspondence between the OCT and angiography images allows the user to capture OCT B scans precisely at selected points on the ICG confocal images.

Sequential optical coherence tomography and confocal imaging.

We report a system capable of sequentially acquiring two en-face images of different depth resolutions. The two images are generated by use of different principles, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy, and have depth resolutions, at present, of better than 20 microm and over 0.12 mm, respectively. The lower-depth-resolution image is ideal for target positioning before collection of stacks of en-face OCT images. Switching between the two types of image by flipping an opaque screen in the reference arm, coupled with self-adjusting gain operation of avalanche photodiodes in the receiver. We illustrate the usefulness of the system by imaging a leaf and an optic nerve in vivo.

Combined multiplanar optical coherence tomography and confocal scanning ophthalmoscopy.

We demonstrate the clinical application of a multiplanar imaging system that simultaneously acquires en face (C-scan) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the corresponding confocal ophthalmoscopic images, along with cross-sectional (B-scan) OCT at specifiable locations on the confocal image. The advantages of the simultaneous OCT and confocal acquisition as well as the challenges of interpreting the C-scan OCT images are discussed. Variations in tissue inclination with respect to the coherence wave surface alter the sampling of structures within the depth of the retina, producing novel slice orientations that are often challenging to interpret. We have evaluated for the first time the utility of C-scan OCT for a variety of pathologies, including melanocytoma, diabetic retinopathy, choroidal neovascular membrane, and macular pucker. Several remarkable new aspects of clinical anatomy were revealed using this new technique. The versatility of selective capture of C-scan OCT images and B-scan OCT images at precise points on the confocal image affords the clinician a more complete and interactive tool for 3-D imaging of retinal pathology.