Technology


Researchers develop novel optical scanner for swift detection of eye diseases


European researchers have developed a new real-time scanner that will create a full image of a moving eye without blurring. Teaming up with photonics innovation hub ACTPHAST 4R, the scientists at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam are preparing a demonstrator of their scanner concept, which acquires data faster than other optical imaging technologies. Some degenerative eye conditions like


glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes and retinal diseases can progress to blindness if they are not diagnosed in their early stages, mostly due to missed opportunities from poor image quality or motion artefacts. Eye specialists currently use an imaging


technique called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive test that uses light to build up an image of the retina by capturing cross-sectional slices. However, because the eye is constantly moving, the images suffer from blurring and oſten only partial pictures are possible. OCT technology has never been fast enough to take a full image of a moving eye without blurring or having the patient sit incredibly still.


Te lead researcher on this breakthrough


development, Assistant Professor Imran Avci from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam, said: “Diagnoses of eye diseases that could lead to blindness require good quality images at an early stage. Our scanner is different: with the data acquired fast enough, the overall goal is to have a real-time imaging system. Te rapid switch will enable a high-quality video of the eye in real time.” Te scanner works by acquiring data from


the light signal at rapid speeds by bundling groups of information together. “Taking 100 to 120 reference points, our


scanner ‘bundles’ them together, acquiring 20 bundles at a time. However, it is our patented switch that moves from bundle to bundle in nanoseconds that gives us the ability to quickly acquire the images in real time,” said Dr Avci. Standard OCT works by collecting data


from a single sample arm, which is acquired mechanically using a scanner. Te final image is formed by combining these individual images during post-processing. “Te OCT we have today uses a process


Re-FREAM develops sustainable electronics-enabled smart clothing


A European Commission project called Re- FREAM is seeing researchers from Fraunhofer IZM create smart, electronics-laden, sustainable clothing for the digital era. “Microelectronics not only serves as a fashion


accessory but it also brings new functions to clothing. With the help of latest technologies, sensors can be integreated into textiles and clothing integrated into networks. Tis also opens up new opportunities for e-health wearables,” said Christina Dils, Researcher at Group System-on- Flex, at the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM. One difficulty that Fraunhofer researchers


are facing relates to the contact points between electronics and textiles, because these must be manufacturable on an industrial scale and function reliably under everyday textile mechanical stresses such as washing without loss of performance. At Fraunhofer IZM, the electronic


components are shrunk to such an extent to


seamlessly integrate with the garment. Te connecting conductor tracks are laminated, embroidered or weaved into the fabrics. Tere are several sub-projects in the Re- FREAM effort, and the one called “Connextyle” focuses on developing user-orientated garments for medical applications. Te tops, which are equipped with textile PCBs and laminated EMG sensors, measure muscle activity and thus optimise rehabilitation processes for patients. An app provides visual feedback from the collected data, generates reports on the healing process and makes it easier for therapists to adapt the measures. Te Re-FREAM researchers claim that


particularly challenging yet fruitful is the collaboration in creating sustainable and ‘circular’ production designs in fashion. Ecological principles are taken into account at the design stage, minimising negative environmental impact throughout the product’s life-cycle. Tis includes the reliability of the


Re-FREAM smart clothing loaded with electronic devices


component contacts, the length of time the sensors adhere to the textile, the choice of materials and the modular design for reuse of the microcontrollers. However, the teams do not create individual pieces – they want to demonstrate that the path to high-tech fashion can also be an environmentally-friendly one. Tey also work on ‘circular’ business models that fit the sustainable mission of the projects. Te Re-FREAM researchers are currently


developing sensory textiles and textile-suitable interconnection technologies, as well as thermoplastic substrates that can be integrated into almost any fabric.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk December/January 2021 05 The retinal-imaging system developed at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam


called ‘eye-tracking’ which can be tricky and involves many elements to do right. However, if we can manage to create an image before the eye moves (in 5-10 seconds, or so), then there is no need for tracking schemes,” said Dr Avci. Working with ACTPHAST 4R, Dr Avci’s


team has been able to access the right technical and business coaching expertise to advance the scanner concept towards an actual product. ACTPHAST 4R is an EU innovation


hub designed to give researchers working in academia across Europe access to top-level expertise and technologies in photonics to produce demonstrators for their scientific projects similar to the support provided by the separate ACTPHAST 4.0 innovation hub for European companies – especially for small to medium sized enterprises.


Photo: Jessica Smarsch


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