Non-Contact High-Resolution All-Optical Handheld Ultrasound Imaging System

We aim in this Sequential Phase II program to enhance the functionality of the non-contact Laser Ultrasound (ncLUS) imager prototype developed in the Phase II program by introducing Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) for light beam propagation and manipulations. In addition to enabling a slim form factor similar to that of modern day smartphones, the upgraded ncLUS imager also supports a novel cascaded Mach-Zehner Interferometer (MZI) based angular laser projector that is integrated directly onto the PIC, enabling the angular projection of laser beams to the region of interest (ROI) over the patient without using any moving parts, a highly valued feature in the harsh battlefield environment. Further, artificial intelligence (AI)-based de-noising and autonomous ROI boundary determination are introduced to aid the triage process by improving the ncLUS image clarity and minimizing the probability of false interpretations on the physiologic state of the injured Warfighter. We propose to develop the PIC in the Sequential Phase II program, followed by benchtop validation of the PIC as well as the moving-part-less laser beam angular projection. Concurrently, the layout and arrangements of the upgraded ncLUS imager will be developed to achieve the goal of slim form factor. Leveraging the computational power of nvidia Jetson Orin NX, the onboard GPU will be leveraged to reconstruct the ultrasound images detected by the upgraded ncLUS imager. Similarly, AI models will be executed by Jetson Orin NX to denoise the ncLUS images and automatically segment out the ROI that requires further examination by the care providers. One functioning unit of the upgraded ncLUS imager is to be delivered to the Government at the end of the Sequential Phase II program.