Direct Non-Contact Measurement of Corneal Biomechanics using Brillouin Spectroscopy
Max Kotlarchyk, Intelon Optics
The human cornea is a microstructurally heterogenous biological tissue under constant intraocular pressure. Ophthalmologist have realized that topographical or cross-sectional shape information alone is not sufficient, and direct measurement of the mechanical tissue properties is required. Despite new emerging technologies to address this need, techniques rely heavily on complex modeling of the tissue in a one-size-fits-all model to extract biomechanical data. Additionally, higher sensitivity and spatial resolution is required for corneal diseases that would benefit from early intervention.
We propose a novel non-contact system which uses Brillouin Spectroscopy to measure the stiffness of the cornea using low power near infrared laser source at 780 nm. Measurements are based on the low levels of inelastically back-scattered and spectrally shifted light collected from a confocal volume. This direct measurement technique can generate patient specific stiffness maps with micrometer level spatial resolution. This direct and patient specific measurement provides synergistic functional information necessary for early diagnosis, surgical screening, planning, and follow-up, as well as providing a valuable tool for clinical research.
Max Kotlarchyk has over 7 years of industry R&D experience, design, system integration, and leadership experience in optical devices for ophthalmology, cardiovascular interventions, and fundamental scientific research. Max received a Ph.D. from University of California, Irvine where he created laser microscopy systems for studying how cells mechanically interacts with tissue engineering materials. At Optimum Technologies, Max obtained a diverse background in developing medical imaging devices for multi-national companies (Fortune 100 – 500), startups, and academic institutions. Industry technologies have included: Interferometric Systems and Optical Coherence Tomography, Confocal Scanners, Retinal Cameras, Handheld Point-of-Care Devices, and Surgical Visualization Systems. As Director of Biomedical Engineering, Max is leading system engineering efforts for Intelon Optics and coordinate all aspects of engineering design and product development activities across teams.
PARKING: Use the Mortimer St. Garage. Parking is free after 6 pm.
PRE TALK DINNER with guest speaker Max Kotlarchyk will be held at 5:00 PM at The Gate House at Village Gate, 2274 North Goodman St. Rochester, NY 14607, prior to the talk. Contact the House Committee by email for dinner reservations. Email: house@osarochester.org
