June 2022 - Physical Sciences Inc.

Publication

Abstract

Noninvasive assessment of skin lesions, especially of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), has benefited more recently from the use of optical imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). While RCM provides submicron scale resolution and thus enables identification of skin morphological changes of the skin, with the downside of limited penetration depth, OCT imaging of the same lesion brings the benefit of better resolving its depth of invasion. OCT and RCM can be used either individually or combined within the same instrument for the noninvasive diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Their combined use has shown to provide certain benefits such as better characterization of the lesion's margins, both in depth and laterally, as well as improved sensitivity and specificity, as previously demonstrated by our team. In this article we report a new “fiber-based” implementation of the second-generation RCM-OCT hand-held probe. The fiber-based implementation of both imaging modalities enabled the construction of a smaller footprint/lower weight hand-held probe. Its preliminary evaluation on the skin of healthy volunteers is reported here, demonstrating improved capabilities for resolving sub-cellular structures and image skin morphology with micron-scale resolution to a higher depth than in the previous implementation, while also enabling the construction of angiography maps showing vascular remodeling

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Published

June 27, 2022

Presentation

Abstract

Technological advances make it easier and less expensive to capture carbon and detect leaks from improperly capped wells, pipelines and even aging gas infrastructure in cities. The ability to measure carbon dioxide and methane is a big deal because more can be captured, used, re-injected and sequestered. Lasers are now also the key to inexpensive leak detection for natural gas

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Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), has been awarded a research program from the Naval Air Warfare Center to design, fabricate and evaluate a wide-area synthetic skin device to enable tactile sensing of various shaped objects placed in low-visibility undersea environments.

PSI will implement a multi-angular spatial sensing capability to identify patterns and 3D objects. This will be possible through the use of a machine learning architecture embedded into the device. The synthetic skin measuring system, with incorporated machine learning perception, has the potential to significantly increase the effectiveness of underwater operations.

The underwater advanced synthetic skin-based device will provide a platform to operate Underwater Vehicles (UV) based on tactile sensing in harsh undersea environments. This device will help address a range of applications including exploring and servicing undersea equipment such as working under a pier or on shipwrecks and navigating through underwater caves, especially areas of low-visibility turbid media in deep-sea environments. This 3D tactile sensing capability will also enable remote operations for real-time prediction of objects around and those being operated on. Future extension of the technology towards biomedical engineering will create opportunities in robotic surgery and the creation of advanced prosthetic limbs.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Nicusor Iftimia
Area Manager, Biomedical Optics Technology
iftimia@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with Tufts University and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, has been awarded a research program from the U.S. Army to explore the use of an advanced multimodal optical imaging technology for diagnosing olfactory dysfunction (OD).

OD is a significant threat factor in the modern military due to frequent exposure to harmful inhalational environments in various military settings. In addition, COVID-19 has caused a sudden onset of OD and most COVID-19 patients suffer from partial or full OD. Although various olfactory tests have been used to diagnose OD, there is no reliable clinical device to assess OD. PSI’s approach is to combine within the same instrument two complementary optical modalities: optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy. When combined, they can simultaneously provide real-time, depth-resolved images of the olfactory neuroepithelium and sub-cellular details. Successful development of this technology will help olfactory researchers to better understand dysfunctions in the olfaction process and enable rhinologists to more accurately diagnose OD.

The successful development of this instrument will result in improved healthcare outcomes for both military and civilian patients that suffer olfactory dysfunction The long-term impact will be the introduction of a new medical device into the market for the comprehensive evaluation and management of general nasal diseases and disorders. The new device will contribute to clinically efficient patient care and reduced healthcare costs.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Nicusor Iftimia
Area Manager, Biomedical Optics Technology
iftimia@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003

Press Release

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a program from the U.S. Marine Corps to design a portable, hydrokinetic generator for use in a wide range of river environments.

PSI’s generator is built from lightweight and high-strength materials with unique joints that allow it to flat-pack for storage and transport. The generator is composed of a set of four, redundant turbine modules that may be quickly deployed to any water flow greater than 0.5 m deep. Once installed in a typical stream, the full system will produce up to 1.5 kW of electricity via a 24 VDC hookup cable.

Rapidly deployable, hydrokinetic electricity production allows for quick installation of communication equipment, forward-operating units, spatial awareness sensors, and many other crucial implements of the modern warfighter. Over the last few decades, there has been a growing demand in renewable energy technologies from civilian and military stakeholders.

Systems that can generate electricity from existing energy sources in the environment; such as solar, wind, and hydro can reduce electricity costs and enable electrical equipment in locations that the electrical grid does not reach. In developing parts of the world where an electrical grid is not present, communities often rely on ‘microgrids’, small electrical generation stations. This situation drives a growing demand for systems such as MCHEG that can supplement electrical energy in almost any location close to a flowing water source. PSI’s MCHEG system can fill the niche of the developing, renewable energy market.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Sean Torrez
Area Manager, Deployable Technologies
storrez@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003