Virgil Duma

Research Lead Student Projects on Multi-Disciplinary Optomechatronics with Applications in Biomedical Imaging

The education side of an optomechatronics consortium of academic and industrial partners is presented. The consortium covers a variety of disciplines including mechanical design, theory of mechanisms, mechatronics, as well as optical engineering with applications in specific biomedical fields, such as dentistry and gastroenterology. The five teams involved in the project compound senior and young researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students). The contribution of each partner is presented, with examples of specific methodology in conducting student projects on subjects inspired by research.

Analysis of the fractures of metallic materials using optical coherence tomography

Forensic in situ investigations, for example for aviation, maritime, road, or rail accidents would benefit from a method that may allow to distinguish ductile from brittle fractures of metals - as material defects are one of the potential causes of such accidents. Currently, the gold standard in material studies is represented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, SEM are large, lab-based systems, therefore in situ measurements are excluded. In addition, they are expensive and time-consuming. We have approached this problem and propose the use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in such investigations in order to overcome these disadvantages of SEM. In this respect, we demonstrate the capability to perform such fracture analysis by obtaining the topography of metallic surfaces using OCT. Different materials have been analyzed; in this presentation a sample of low soft carbon steel with the chemical composition of C 0.2%, Mn 1.15%, S 0.04%, P 0.05 % and Fe for the rest has been considered. An in-house developed Swept Source (SS) OCT system has been used, and height profiles have been generated for the sample surface. This profile allowed for concluding that the carbon steel sample was subjected to a ductile fracture. A validation of the OCT images obtained with a 10 microns resolution has been made with SEM images obtained with a 4 nm resolution. Although the OCT resolution is much lower than the one of SEM, we thus demonstrate that it is sufficient in order to obtain clear images of the grains of the metallic materials and thus to distinguish between ductile and brittle fractures. This study analysis opens avenues for a range of applications, including: (i) to determine the causes that have generated pipe ruptures, or structural failures of metallic bridges and buildings, as well as damages of machinery parts; (ii) to optimize the design of various machinery; (iii) to obtain data regarding the structure of metallic alloys); (iv) to improve the manufacturing technologies of metallic parts.

Handheld scanning probes for optical coherence tomography: developments, applications, and perspectives

We present the handheld scanning probes that we have recently developed in our current project for biomedical imaging in general and for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in particular. OCT is an established, but dynamic imagistic technique based on laser interferometry, which offers micrometer resolutions and millimeters penetration depths. With regard to existing devices, the newly developed handheld probes are simple, light and relatively low cost. Their design is described in detail to allow for the reproduction in any lab, including for educational purposes. Two probes are constructed almost entirely from off-the-shelf components, while a third, final variant is constructed with dedicated components, in an ergonomic design. The handheld probes have uni-dimensional (1D) galvanometer scanners therefore they achieve transversal sections through the biological sample investigated - in contrast to handheld probes equipped with bi-dimensional (2D) scanners that can also achieve volumetric (3D) reconstructions of the samples. These latter handheld probes are therefore also discussed, as well as the possibility to equip them with galvanometer 2D scanners or with Risley prisms. For galvanometer scanners the optimal scanning functions studied in a series of previous works are pointed out; these functions offer a higher temporal efficiency/duty cycle of the scanning process, as well as artifact-free OCT images. The testing of the handheld scanning probes in dental applications is presented, for metal ceramic prosthesis and for teeth.

Optical imaging of oral pathological tissue using optical coherence tomography and synchrotron radiation computed microtomography

The efforts aimed at early diagnosis of oral cancer should be prioritized towards developing a new screening instrument, based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), to be used directly intraorally, able to perform a fast, real time, 3D and non-invasive diagnosis of oral malignancies. The first step in this direction would be to optimize the OCT image interpretation of oral tissues. Therefore we propose plastination as a tissue preparation method that better preserves three-dimensional structure for study by new optical imaging techniques. The OCT and the synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (micro-CT) were employed for tissue sample analyze. For validating the OCT results we used the gold standard diagnostic procedure for any suspicious lesion – histopathology. This is a preliminary study of comparing features provided by OCT and Micro-CT. In the conditions of the present study, OCT proves to be a highly promising imaging modality. The use of x-ray based topographic imaging of small biological samples has been limited by the low intrinsic x-ray absorption of non-mineralized tissue and the lack of established contrast agents. Plastination can be used to enhance optical imagies of oral soft tissue samples.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy versus digital microscopy in the analysis of the marginal adaptation of Tizian overlays

Technological improvements and the progress of new adhesive materials have led to the development of minimally invasive restorations, like overlays; these are also indicated in the treatment of pathological tooth wear caused by bruxism. In this study we evaluated the marginal adaptation of Tizian overlays through two non-invasive methods: digital microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. 12 maxillary first premolars were extracted and prepared for overlays. The Tizian overlays were cemented with Variolonk II (Ivoclar Vivadent). The marginal adaptation of each specimen was analyzed, on all four surfaces, with a digital microscope at 40x to 800x magnification ratio; we also used a confocal laser scanning microscope, at 10x magnification, in Z mode, with 10 μm slices and a resolution of 1020 x 1024. The exposure time per pixel was 8 μs and the wavelength of the laser was set at 405 nm, corresponding to a blue light laser. We concluded that confocal laser scanning microscopy, with its a higher horizontal and vertical resolution with regard to digital microscopy, and with its volumetric reconstructions capability of the sample image, is therefore a more appropriate method for this particular dental field, i.e., to investigate the marginal adaptation of Tizian overlays.

Optical coherence tomography study regarding the enamel structure before and after debonding

Orthodontic treatments imply the use of different types of adhesives and brackets. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of these treatments on the structure of the involved teeth. The debonding process is especially regarded as a concern: due to the use of different pliers tensile and pulling forces the develop on the surface of the tooth. The finishing bur is also a concern. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), an emerging technology that performs transverse sections of biological systems has been used in order to obtain a more accurate assessment of enamel quality due to its wide applicability and to its non-invasive properties.OCT, analogous to ultrasound imaging(with the difference that it uses light instead of sound), provides cross-sectional images of the tissue structure on the micron scale, in vivo and in real time. Regarding fixed orthodontic treatments, patients are often subjected in the process to a high risk of enamel decalcification and carious processes. Demineralization usually occurs in the area adjacent to the orthodontic bracket location, where bacterial plaque control is difficult. Therefore, in this study we evaluate using OCT the degree of demineralisation produced in the enamel structure, following the removal of the orthodontic bracket. Also, the amount of adhesive remnants after the removal of the adhesive and the finishing of the dental surface with specific instrumentation is evaluated.

Optoelectronic evaluation of indirect dental veneers interfaces

Dental indirect veneers have become the most functional and cost-effective method for providing high-aesthetic results whenever smile design enhancement is required. Yet, clinical failures have been reported due to the detachment of the veneers from the dental hard tissues, as well as to chipping and microleakage. Many experimental studies have been conducted in order to identify clinical and technical solutions for enhancing the adhesive and biomechanical properties of the veneers, by promoting the same classical, linear marginal contour of these particular indirect restorations. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a novel design of the veneers deemed to augment the interfacial adhesive forces and, furthermore, to investigate the bonded interfaces by using optical coherence tomography.

Dental impression technique using optoelectronic devices

INTRODUCTION: The use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a non-invasive and high precision quantitative information providing tool has been well established by researches within the last decade. The marginal discrepancy values can be scrutinized in optical biopsy made in three dimensional (3D) micro millimetre scale and reveal detailed qualitative and quantitative information of soft and hard tissues. OCT-based high resolution 3D images can provide a significant impact on finding recurrent caries, restorative failure, analysing the precision of crown preparation, and prosthetic elements marginal adaptation error with the gingiva and dental hard tissues. During the CAD/CAM process of prosthodontic restorations, the circumvent of any error is important for the practitioner and the technician to reduce waste of time and material. Additionally, OCT images help to achieve a new or semi-skilled practitioner to analyse their crown preparation works and help to develop their skills faster than in a conventional way. The aim of this study is to highlight the advantages of OCT in high precision prosthodontic restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 preparations of frontal and lateral teeth were performed for 7 different patients. The impressions of the prosthetic fields were obtained both using a conventional optoelectronic system (Apolo Di, Syrona) and a Spectral Domain using OCT (Dental prototype, working at 860 nm). For the conventional impression technique the preparation margins were been prelevated by gingival impregnated cords. No specific treatments were performed by the OCT impression technique. RESULTS: The scanning performed by conventional optoelectronic system proved to be quick and accurate in terms of impression technology. The results were represented by 3D virtual models obtained after the scanning procedure was completed. In order to obtain a good optical impression a gingival retraction cord was inserted between the prepared tooth and the gingival tissue for a better elevation of the tooth cervical margin preparation. Spectral OCT was enforced in order to observe the quality but also the advantages coming from this technology. No special preparation was performed for this operation. CONCLUSION: Considering these aspects, OCT could be used as a valuable tool for dental impression technology, being non-invasive but also non-destructive on the marginal gingival tissue, in comparison with conventional optoelectronic technology where the gingival retraction cord is still mandatory.

Dentistry investigations of teeth and dental prostheses using OCT

We present some of our recent investigations in Dental Medicine using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Time Domain (TD), Spectral Domain (SD), and Swept Source (SS) OCT in-house developed systems are being used, for both ex vivo and in vivo investigations in the oral cavity. We study ex vivo the interface between the tooth and the dental sealant and demonstrate the limitations of the X-rays investigations that are now the gold standard for such procedures. Using OCT, defects in the interface that cannot be identified in radiographs can be determined both as position and magnitude. The drilling process of teeth can also be characterized in real time using OCT, to monitor the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) in order to avoid opening the pulp chamber. We demonstrate in this respect that an RDT of 0.5 mm is the minimum value to assure the integrity of the dentin wall between the drilled cavity and the pulp chamber; at an RDT of 0.3 mm or less a fracture is initiated, the dentin is punctured and endodontic treatment must follow. In vivo OCT investigations in the oral cavity were also performed (i.e., for metalloceramic prostheses and for ceramic inlay tooth interfaces), with the low cost, light weight and versatile handheld probes with 1D galvoscanners that we have developed and applied for a range of in-house developed OCT systems, in various clinical applications. They are briefly discussed, as well as some of our current and future work in the field, including for studies of soft tissue in the mouth.

Direct composite fillings: an optical coherence tomography and microCT investigation

The treatment of carious lesions requires removal of affected dental tissue thus creating cavities that are to be filled with dedicated materials. There are several methods known which are used to assess the quality of direct dental restorations, but most of them are invasive. Optical tomographic techniques are of particular importance in the medical imaging field, because these techniques can provide non-invasive diagnostic images. Using an en-face version of OCT, we have recently demonstrated real time thorough evaluation of quality of dental fillings. The major aim of this study was to analyses the optical performance of adhesives modified with zirconia particles in different concentrations in order to improve the contrast of OCT imaging of the interface between the tooth structure, adhesive and composite resin. The OCT investigations were validated by micro CT using synchrotron radiation. The OCT Swept Source is a valuable investigation tool for the clinical evaluation of class II direct composite restorations. The unmodified adhesive layer shows poor contrast on regular OCT investigations. Adding zirconia particles to the adhesive layer provides a better scattering which allows a better characterization and quantification of direct restorations.