Abstract: The system and methods described herein are directed to monitoring and tracking surgical instruments through sterilization processing. Imaging methods described are performed based on a variety of needs such as to monitor damage, wear, and biomass. Also described are how automation, vision augmentation, and data management systems can be incorporated into the system to facilitate monitoring and tracking. The system and methods described here will use specialized optical imaging methods together with automation and image analysis methods to perform inspection and tracking of surgical instruments faster, more accurately, and less expensively than using existing methods. The new imaging methods disclosed include ultraviolet fluorescence, polarization imaging, oblique illumination, and extensive light source in reflection. Further, the methods include using multiple imaging methods and imaging methods in combination with automation and imaging processing for assessing surgical instruments.

Abstract: An example imaging apparatus comprises a light source, an imaging spectrometer, an image sensor, control circuitry, and processing circuitry. The light source generates power for delivery at a molecular sample, which can include at least 100 mW. The imaging spectrometer separates light emitted from the molecular sample into a plurality of different component wavelengths. The control circuitry causes the image sensor to scan one or more regions of the molecular sample while the imaging spectrometer is aligned with the image sensor and collects hyperspectral image data of the molecular sample from the light emitted that corresponds to the plurality of different component wavelengths. The processing circuitry performs an image processing pipeline by transforming the hyperspectral image data into data that is representative of a quantification of emitters, absorbers, and/or scatterers present in the one or more regions of the molecular sample.

Abstract: An example imaging apparatus comprises a light source, an imaging spectrometer, an image sensor, control circuitry, and processing circuitry. The light source generates power for delivery at a molecular sample, which can include at least 100 mW. The imaging spectrometer separates light emitted from the molecular sample into a plurality of different component wavelengths. The control circuitry causes the image sensor to scan one or more regions of the molecular sample while the imaging spectrometer is aligned with the image sensor and collects hyperspectral image data of the molecular sample from the light emitted that corresponds to the plurality of different component wavelengths. The processing circuitry performs an image processing pipeline by transforming the hyperspectral image data into data that is representative of a quantification of emitters, absorbers, and/or scatterers present in the one or more regions of the molecular sample.

Abstract: Described are an apparatus and method of moving micro-droplets. A surface has a liquid phase thereon. In the liquid phase is a droplet. Focused at an edge of the droplet is a beam of light. The light beam produces a thermal gradient sufficient to induce the droplet to move according to the Marangoni effect. The movement-inducing thermal gradient may appear within the droplet or within the liquid phase. The composition of the droplet, the liquid phase, and wavelength of the light beam can cooperate to cause heating within the droplet, liquid phase, or both. For example, an infrared laser can cause vibration of an O-H stretch in an aqueous droplet (or in the liquid phase). As another example, adding dye to a droplet or to the liquid phase enables absorption of light from an Argon ion laser. The apparatus and method find particular use in biological and chemical high-throughput assays.

Abstract: An in vivo optical imaging system and method of identifying unusual vasculature associated with the angiogenic vasculature in tumors. An imaging system acquires images through the breast. Benign, noninvasive oxygen and carbon dioxide are used as vasoactive agents and administered by inhalation to stimulate vascular changes. Images taken before and during inhalation are subtracted. An optical vascular functional imaging system monitors abnormal vasculature through optical measurements on oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin during inhalation of varying levels of O2 and CO2. The increase in contrast between tumor (cancerous) and normal (noncancerous) tissue is dramatic, facilitating accurate early detection of cancerous tumors and improving sensitivity and specificity (lower false negative and false positive rates). The invention is useful in mammography, dermatology, prostate imaging and other optically accessible areas.