High-speed digitizers are indispensable in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, revolutionizing how data is collected, processed, and evaluated. These sophisticated devices enable accurate measurement and instantaneous tracking across applications ranging from medical imaging and diagnostics to biomedical studies and pharmaceutical development.
Image Credit: Vitrek LLC
Through converting analog signals into high-resolution digital data at unparalleled speeds, high-speed digitizers improve precision and efficiency, driving innovation and enhancing patient outcomes in some of the most vital healthcare applications.
Reaching deep: Enhanced brain stimulation with advanced H-coils
This application addresses developments in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a method employed in neuroscience and neurology for non-invasive brain stimulation. TMS is commonly applied in both research and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Challenge: Conventional TMS coils, such as the figure-8 coil, have limitations in stimulating deep brain regions without causing unintended cortical stimulation. This restricts TMS effectiveness in treating conditions involving deeper brain structures.
How the GaGe digitizer was used: The GaGe Digitizer measured the electrical field induced by TMS coils. Voltage differences captured by a dipole probe in a head model were recorded by the digitizer, enabling computation of electrical field strength and distribution.
Image Credit: Vitrek LLC
Revolutionizing dental diagnostics: High-resolution 3D imaging of teeth using optical coherence tomography
This article demonstrates that OCT imaging delivers unmatched resolution and contrast. An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) probe was used to characterize teeth as a complement to standard X-ray radiography. An innovative method for dental imaging is discussed, offering potential applications for in vivo diagnostics in dental clinics.
Challenge: Conventional dental imaging methods, such as X-ray radiography, frequently lack the resolution and contrast required for the precise detection of certain dental conditions, especially occlusal caries. Innovative approaches to imaging are needed to address these limitations.
How GaGe digitizers were employed: OCT delivers improved contrast and resolution relative to radiography. Specifically, the OCT probe enables improved characterization of tooth decay on occlusal (grinding) surfaces. A Gage digitizer monitored photodetector signals from the optical output of the OCT stage.
Image Credit: Vitrek LLC
Unlocking the secrets of hidden worlds: iNIRS reveals turbid media dynamics
This article presents interferometric near-infrared spectroscopy (iNIRS) as an innovative technique for quantifying optical and dynamic characteristics of turbid media, including blood. This technique represents a significant step forward compared to traditional methods.
Challenge: Current techniques such as continuous-wave (CW) near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) require complex assumptions and extra parameters for precise optical quantification. While valuable, diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) methods lack time-of-flight (TOF) resolved measurements essential for determining dynamic properties.
How GaGe digitizers were used: Measurements of absorption and scattering of infrared light provide information, for instance, on blood oxygenation and tissue composition. A Gage digitizer monitored signals from two photodetectors – one measuring raw laser power and another connected to the signal from the infrared interferometer containing the sample. The Gage waveform data was then utilized for determining final infrared absorption and scattering measurements.
Image Credit: Vitrek LLC
Unlocking the brain’s barriers: Reversible drug delivery with focused ultrasound
This study falls within the medical and biomedical engineering fields, specifically concentrating on enhancing drug delivery to the brain for treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases. High-power 1.5 MHz focused ultrasound was used to locally open the blood-brain barrier, enabling penetration of intravenously administered drugs into the brain.
Challenge: Most drugs for CNS diseases face difficulty penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which acts as a protective shield for the brain. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of focused ultrasound (FUS) with microbubbles as a controlled, non-invasive, and reversible method to open the BBB.
How GaGe digitizers were used: A conventional low-power 10 MHz imaging transducer, embedded in the high-power focused ultrasonic transducer, aligned the focused transducer. A GaGe digitizer captured signals from the imaging transducer, whose amplitude aligned the focused transducer.
Image Credit: Vitrek LLC
Revolutionary dual imaging of retinal health: Melanin and lipofuscin in real-time
Research paper image
This research combined photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy and autofluorescence imaging to measure quantities of these pigments in the retina. Quantities of melanin and lipofuscin pigments in the retina may characterize the development of age-related macular degeneration in the eye.
Challenge: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, is associated with changes in retinal pigments such as melanin and lipofuscin. Conventional imaging methods struggle to simultaneously and comprehensively visualize both pigments in living organisms.
How GaGe digitizers were used: Pulsed laser light reflections from the retina were directed into an avalanche photodiode, and the output voltage was obtained using a Gage Cobra CS22G8 (2-channels, 8-bits, 2 GS/s). Acoustic energy emitted from the retina was detected by a custom ultrasonic transducer in contact with the eye. This transducer’s output voltage was digitized using a Gage Cobra CS14200 (2-channels, 14-bits, 200 MS/s).
Image Credit: Vitrek LLC
About Vitrek LLC
Since 1990, Vitrek has provided innovative global solutions for high voltage test and measurement including electrical safety compliance testers, multi-point high voltage switching systems and graphical power analyzers. The recent acquisition of MTI Instruments expands their test and measurement portfolio to include non-contact measurement devices, portable signal simulators and calibrators, semiconductor/solar metrology systems and turbine engine/rotating machine balancing. The acquisition of DynamicSignals’ portfolio adds a wide array of board-level data acquisition and integrated real-time RF record/playback system solutions from GaGe, KineticSystems and Signatec. Vitrek also supplies precision high voltage measurement standards to national laboratories and calibration labs around the world. This unique and complementary combination of product and engineering capabilities positions Vitrek as a leading provider of test solutions serving the photovoltaic, medical equipment, power conversion, electrical/electronic component, semiconductor, aerospace and appliance industries. Vitrek is an accredited ISO 17025 Calibration Laboratory.
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