Multimodal optical imager for olfactory dysfunction diagnosis

Physical Sciences Inc., in collaboration with Tufts University and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, proposes 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. The only clinical tool is the nasal endoscope, which has coarse resolution and does not provide any subsurface details. Clearly, more accurate diagnostic methods are required to address the aforementioned issues in the current clinical situations. Our proposed approach is to combine within the same instrument to 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 also enable rhinologists to more accurately diagnose OD.