Revolutionary Dual Imaging of Retinal Health: Melanin and Lipofuscin in Real-Time

Industry: The paper is situated within the biomedical imaging and ophthalmology industry, focusing on the development and application of advanced imaging techniques for retinal research.

Challenge: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant cause of blindness, linked to changes in retinal pigments such as melanin and lipofuscin. Traditional imaging techniques struggle to provide detailed, simultaneous visualization of these pigments in living organisms.

Extraordinary Aspects of the Paper: The study demonstrates a pioneering approach by combining photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy (PAOM) with autofluorescence imaging to simultaneously visualize melanin and lipofuscin in the retina in vivo. This dual-imaging method provides comprehensive insights into retinal health and aging, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and understanding of AMD.

Equipment & Sensors Used:

GaGe Digitizer: CompuScope 22G8: Used for digitizing AF signals at 2 GS/s with CompuScope 14200: Used for digitizing PA signals at 200 MS/s.

Light Source: A frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd laser (SPOT-10–100-532, Elforlight Ltd.) with specifications of 532 nm, 10 μJ/pulse, 2 ns pulse duration, and a maximum pulse repetition rate of 30 kHz.

Sensors: Custom-built needle ultrasonic transducer: 30 MHz frequency, 50% bandwidth, 1 mm active element diameter, used for detecting PA signals.

Avalanche photodetector (APD110A, Thorlabs Inc.): Used for detecting AF signals.

Amplifiers: Amplification of PA signals was achieved using an 80 dB amplifier.

Additional Components: Spectra-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system for imaging guidance.

Long-pass filter (FEL0550, Thorlabs Inc.) and a 532 nm laser rejection filter (532-D2C, Omega Optical) for AF signal filtering.

Optical components such as dichroic mirrors, galvanometer scanners, and relay lenses to direct and focus the laser light.

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