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Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation

Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation - Poster Session C

Poster G8 - Metaoptic Stokes Polarimetry as a next step for portable in-vivo skin cancer diagnostics

Friday, October 25, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Introduction:  Polarimetric imaging, a technique in biomedical diagnostics, has shown great potential for early-stage skin cancer detection. This study introduces a compact monocular camera equipped with a single-layer metalens, leveraging advanced metalens technology to overcome the limitations of current imaging methods. Our device addresses challenges such as bulky optical components, time-domain multiplexing, and active laser illumination, providing a more accurate capture of 4D images, including 2D all-in-focus intensity, depth, and polarization, for skin cancer diagnosis. Notably, our system reduces the number of images required for diagnosis from 4 or 16 to a single snapshot, streamlining the imaging process and enhancing clinical workflow efficiency.

Materials and

Methods:  Methods
Objective 1: Prototyping Metaoptic Polarimeters for Melanoma Detection

Metaoptic Camera Design and Simulation: We will use PlanOpSim to model and optimize the metaoptic design, simulating light propagation and polarization effects.
Metaoptic Camera Construction: We will integrate the metaoptic with a CMOS sensor and additional electronics for data processing. A laser diode will project light of a known polarization onto the skin.
Calibration Procedures: We will develop and implement calibration procedures using known polarization states to validate the device's performance.
Skin Phantoms: We will test the polarimeter's capabilities using skin phantoms with controlled surface roughness (1-64 μm Rq) to mimic human skin properties.

Objective 2: Analysis and Refactoring of Existing Image Stitching Algorithms

Quantitative Analysis: We will analyze stitched Stokes matrix data through three KPIs: accuracy, precision, and robustness.
KPI Metrics: We will use metrics such as MSE, SSIM, standard deviation, and CV to quantify accuracy, precision, and robustness.

Accuracy: We expect the polarimeter to accurately measure the Stokes matrix with an error rate of less than 5%.
Precision: We expect the polarimeter to consistently measure the Stokes matrix with a standard deviation of less than 10%.
Robustness: We expect the polarimeter to maintain its accuracy and precision across a range of skin types and conditions.

Materials

Metasurface Camera: 2 mm TiO2 metasurface lens
Aspheric Lens: ThorLabs AL2520
Wavelength Filter: 660nm, 10nm bandpass
CMOS Sensor: Samsung ISOCELL GM1 S5KGM1
Laser Diode: Thorlabs HL6545MG
Skin Phantom: Smooth-On brand MoldMax 10T silicone “skin” plus silc-pig
Optical Profilometer: WYKO / VEECO NT2000

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Expected Results and Discussion
We anticipate that the Aurora metaoptic polarimeter will significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of skin cancer detection, enabling early-stage diagnosis and treatment. By capturing more information in a single image compared to traditional Stokes or Mueller polarimeters, Aurora is expected to reduce image acquisition time, minimize patient discomfort, and improve the overall workflow for healthcare providers.
However, there are potential limitations to consider. The accuracy of the Aurora system may be impacted by factors such as poor lens printing quality or errors in the mathematical modeling used to create the metaoptic lens. These limitations could result in reduced accuracy or reliability of the system.
To mitigate these risks, future work should focus on refining the lens printing process and improving the accuracy of the mathematical models used to design the metaoptic lens. Additionally, further testing and validation of the system will be necessary to ensure its reliability and effectiveness in clinical settings.
Conclusion
The Aurora metaoptic polarimeter is expected to be a groundbreaking tool for skin cancer detection, with an anticipated accuracy of 90% or higher for identifying skin cancers. By leveraging existing smartphone technology, we can create a portable, affordable, and accessible diagnostic tool that can be used in remote and underserved areas. This technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in resource-constrained settings, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.
However, to fully realize the potential of Aurora, further research and development are needed to address the potential limitations and ensure the system's accuracy and reliability. By doing so, we can ensure that Aurora is a valuable tool for skin cancer detection, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the global cancer burden and improving health outcomes worldwide.

Acknowledgements (Optional):