Ultrasonic sculpting of virtual optical waveguides in tissue

Maysamreza Chamanzar (), Matteo Giuseppe Scopelliti, Julien Bloch, Ninh Do, Minyoung Huh, Dongjin Seo, Jillian Iafrati, Vikaas S. Sohal, Mohammad-Reza Alam and Michel M. Maharbiz
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Maysamreza Chamanzar: Carnegie Mellon University
Matteo Giuseppe Scopelliti: Carnegie Mellon University
Julien Bloch: University of California
Ninh Do: University of California
Minyoung Huh: University of California
Dongjin Seo: University of California
Jillian Iafrati: University of California
Vikaas S. Sohal: University of California
Mohammad-Reza Alam: University of California
Michel M. Maharbiz: University of California

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Optical imaging and stimulation are widely used to study biological events. However, scattering processes limit the depth to which externally focused light can penetrate tissue. Optical fibers and waveguides are commonly inserted into tissue when delivering light deeper than a few millimeters. This approach, however, introduces complications arising from tissue damage. In addition, it makes it difficult to steer light. Here, we demonstrate that ultrasound can be used to define and steer the trajectory of light within scattering media by exploiting local pressure differences created by acoustic waves that result in refractive index contrasts. We show that virtual light pipes can be created deep into the tissue (>18 scattering mean free paths). We demonstrate the application of this technology in confining light through mouse brain tissue. This technology is likely extendable to form arbitrary light patterns within tissue, extending both the reach and the flexibility of light-based methods.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07856-w

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