Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method that is considered the optical analog to ultrasound, using the technique of optical interferometry to construct two-dimensional depth-resolved images of tissue microstructure. With a resolution on the order of 10 μm and a penetration depth of 1-2 mm in highly scattering tissue, fiber optics-coupled OCT is an ideal modality for the inspection of the mouse colon with its miniaturization capabilities. In the present study, the complementary modalities laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), which offers information on the biochemical makeup of the tissue, and surface magnifying chromoendoscopy, which offers high contrast surface visualization, are combined with OCT in endoscopic imaging systems for the greater specificity and sensitivity in the differentiation between normal and neoplastic tissue, and for the visualization of biomarkers which are indicative of early events in colorectal carcinogenesis. Oblique incidence reflectometry (OIR) also offers advantages, allowing the calculation of bulk tissue optical properties for use as a diagnostic tool. The study was broken up into three specific sections. First, a dual-modality OCTLIF imaging system was designed, capable of focusing light over 325-1300 nm using a reflective distal optics design. A dual-modality fluorescence-based SMC-OCT system was then designed and constructed, capable of resolving the stained mucosal crypt structure of the in vivo mouse colon. The SMC-OCT instrument's OIR capabilities were then modeled, as a modified version of the probe was used measure tissue scattering and absorption coefficients.

In the last fifteen years, a great deal of effort has been put forth, worldwide, for investigating and enhancing various aspects of optical coherence tomography (OCT). This thesis begins with a description of the technique of OCT, and an analysis of its underlying theory. The design and construction of an OCT system is described, with particular emphasis on a novel delay scanning method, and novel signal processing. Application of OCT to non-destructive characterisation of seeds, examination of skin lesions, measurement of fluid flow, and refractive index determination, are then demonstrated. Two technological enhancements to OCT are presented in this thesis. The first, an extended-range Fourier domain optical delay line (FDODL), extends the scan range of the traditional FDODL by a factor of almost 9, by scanning the galvanometer mirror around the region of zero tilt-angle. Polarisation optics are used to prevent light coupling back into the interferometer after only a single pass through the FDODL. A non-coplanar version of the FDODL is also presented, which overcomes the losses associated with the polarisation-based design, but trades off scan range to do so. Both versions of FDODL demonstrated excellent linearity and scan uniformity. The second technology presented here, bifocal optical coherence refractometry (BOCR), affords OCT the ability to measure refractive indices within turbid media. It achieves this by generating two confocal gates within the sample. From knowledge of the system parameters, and measurements of the confocal gate separation, the refractive index within the medium is evaluated to within ±0.01. Refractive index mapping is then demonstrated in a number of turbid samples. Three other applications of OCT are also demonstrated in this thesis. The first is the use of OCT to measure full thickness in lupin seeds. Although OCT could not penetrate the entire thickness of the hull, it is demonstrated that the variation in thickness of the two layers observed with OCT, explained 81% of the variation in thickness of the entire hull measured under a SEM. OCT was then applied, for what is believed to be the first time, in a large scale seed screening program. The second application is a preliminary investigation of the suitability of OCT to aid in the diagnosis of skin lesions. Although our system did not possess sufficient positioning accuracy to enable a direct one-to-one comparison between OCT and histology, a number of correspondences between OCT and histology images were demonstrated. The final application of OCT demonstrated here is a novel phase-locked-loop based demodulation scheme, to perform Doppler OCT. This demodulation scheme demonstrated a dynamic range of 98dB, a velocity range of ±20mm/s, and velocity resolution of 0.5mm/s. Using this system, laminar flow was demonstrated in milk flowing through a capillary tube.

[Truncated abstract] This thesis describes the development, clinical validation and initial application of a technique for taking measurements of the shape and dimensions of the human upper airway, called anatomical optical coherence tomography (aOCT). The technique uses a transparent catheter containing a rotating optical probe which is introduced transnasally and positioned in the airway and oesophagus. Optical coherence tomography is used to take calibrated cross-sectional images of the airway lumen as the probe rotates. The probe can also be advanced or withdrawn within the catheter during scanning to build up three-dimensional information. The catheter remains stationary so that the subject is not aware of the probe motion. The initial application of the system is research into obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a serious condition characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep and an independent risk factor for deaths by heart disease, strokes or car accidents. Measurement of upper airway size and shape is important for the investigation of the pathophysiology of OSA, and for the development and assesment of new treatments. . . We have used aOCT to capture three-dimensional data sets of the airway shape from upper oesophagus to the nasal cavity, undertaken measurements of compliance and other airway characteristics, and recorded dynamic airway shape during confirmed sleep apnoea events in a hospital sleep laboratory. We have shown that aOCT generates quantitative, real-time measurements of upper airway size and shape, allowing study over lengthy periods during both sleep and wakefulness. These features should make it useful for study of upper airway behavior to investigate OSA pathophysiology, and aid clinical management and treatment development.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), a non-invasive imaging method, is based on an analysis of a near-infrared light deflected from tisssue layers, that provides detailed images of retinal structures. Nerve cells of the retina, that originate from neuroectoderm, reflect neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), as well as acute damage of nerve structures caused by optic neuritis. The dissertation first presents established imaging protocol and quality standards for SD-OCT imaging in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the following section we introduce SD-OCT as a biomarker in MS. In a multicentric cross-sectional study, we had shown, that a single time measurement of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) has a predictive value for a risk of disease progression in the next five years. Patients with a thickness of RNFL in the lowest tercile of the studied population had a relative risk of disease progression 2x higher than patients in the highest tercile. The second presented study tests whether the history of optic neuritis (ON) in MS is a risk factor for neurodegeneration of RNFL in later years. The study confirmed that long term changes of RNFL thickness in eyes post-ON and in eyes with no history of ON are not different. Therefore, we conclude that both,...

This thesis is concerned with (a) the development of full-field, multi-axis and phase contrast wavelength scanning interferometer, using an electronically tuned CW Ti:Sa laser for the study of depth resolved measurements in composite materials such as GFRPs and (b) the development of temporal phase unwrapping algorithms for depth re-solved measurements. Item (a) was part of the ultimate goal of successfully extracting the 3-D, depth-resolved, constituent parameters (Young s modulus E, Poisson s ratio v etc.) that define the mechanical behaviour of composite materials like GFRPs. Considering the success of OCT as an imaging modality, a wavelength scanning interferometer (WSI) capable of imaging the intensity AND the phase of the interference signal was proposed as the preferred technique to provide the volumetric displacement/strain fields (Note that displacement/strain fields are analogous to phase fields and thus a phase-contrast interferometer is of particular interest in this case). These would then be passed to the VFM and yield the sought parameters provided the loading scheme is known. As a result, a number of key opto-mechanical hardware was developed. First, a multiple channel (x6) tomographic interferometer realised in a Mach-Zehnder arrangement was built. Each of the three channels would provide the necessary information to extract the three orthogonal displacement/strain components while the other three are complementary and were included in the design in order to maximize the penetration depth (sample illuminated from both sides). Second, a miniature uniaxial (tensile and/or compression) loading machine was designed and built for the introduction of controlled and low magnitude displacements. Last, a rotation stage for the experimental determination of the sensitivity vectors and the re-registration of the volumetric data from the six channels was also designed and built. Unfortunately, due to the critical failure of the Ti:Sa laser data collection using the last two items was not possible. However, preliminary results at a single wavelength suggested that the above items work as expected. Item (b) involved the development of an optical sensor for the dynamic monitoring of wavenumber changes during a full 100 nm scan. The sensor is comprised of a set of four wedges in a Fizeau interferometer setup that became part of the multi-axis interferometer (7th channel). Its development became relevant due to the large amount of mode-hops present during a full scan of the Ti:Sa source. These are associated to the physics of the laser and have the undesirable effect of randomising the signal and thus preventing successful depth reconstructions. The multi-wedge sensor was designed so that it provides simultaneously high wavenumber change resolution and immunity to the large wavenumber jumps from the Ti:Sa. The analysis algorithms for the extraction of the sought wavenumber changes were based on 2-D Fourier transform method followed by temporal phase unwrapping. At first, the performance of the sensor was tested against that of a high-end commercial wavemeter for a limited scan of 1nm. A root mean square (rms) difference in measured wavenumber shift between the two of ~4 m-1 has been achieved, equivalent to an rms wavelength shift error of ~0.4 pm. Second, by resampling the interference signal and the wavenumber-change axis onto a uniformly sampled k-space, depth resolutions that are close to the theoretical limits were achieved for scans of up to 37 nm. Access of the full 100 nm range that is characterised by wavelength steps down to picometers level was achieved by introducing a number of improvements to the original temporal phase unwrapping algorithm reported in ref [1] tailored to depth resolved measurements. These involved the estimation and suppression of intensity background artefacts, improvements on the 2-D Fourier transform phase detection based on a previously developed algorithm in ref [2] and finally the introduction of two modifications to the original TPU. Both approaches are adaptive and involve signal re-referencing at regular intervals throughout the scan. Their purpose is to compensate for systematic and non-systematic errors owing to a small error in the value of R (a scaling factor applied to the lower sensitivity wedge phase-change signal used to unwrap the higher sensitivity one), or small changes in R with wavelength due to the possibility of a mismatch in the refractive dispersion curves of the wedges and/or a mismatch in the wedge angles. A hybrid approach combining both methods was proposed and used to analyse the data from each of the four wedges. It was found to give the most robust results of all the techniques considered, with a clear Fourier peak at the expected frequency, with significantly reduced spectral artefacts and identical depth resolutions for all four wedges of 2.2 μm measured at FWHM. The ability of the phase unwrapping strategy in resolving the aforementioned issues was demonstrated by successfully measuring the absolute thickness of four fused silica glasses using real experimental data. The results were compared with independent micrometer measurements and showed excellent agreement. Finally, due to the lack of additional experimental data and in an attempt to justify the validity of the proposed temporal phase unwrapping strategy termed as the hybrid approach, a set of simulations that closely matched the parameters characterising the real experimental data set analysed were produced and were subsequently analysed. The results of this final test justify that the various fixes included in the hybrid approach have not evolved to solve the problems of a particular data set but are rather of general nature thereby, highlighting its importance for PC-WSI applications concerning the processing and analysis of large scans.

A proposta deste estudo in vitro foi otimizar o método microbiológico para a produção de lesão de mancha branca em esmalte que possa ser validada por ensaio não destrutivo (tomografia por coerência óptica - OCT) para possibilitar a utilização posterior dos espécimes em outros experimentos. Foram obtidos 168 fragmentos retangulares de esmalte bovino com janelas centrais de desmineralização de 3,0 x 3,0 mm. Os grupos experimentais foram compostos a partir de 3 fatores de variação: microrganismo (S. mutans UA 159, S. sobrinus 3347 e S. mutans + S. sobrinus), fonte de carboidrato (sacarose 1% e sacarose 1% + amido 1%) e tempo (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 e 7 dias). Assim, formaram-se seis grupos experimentais: G1 (S. mutans + sacarose), G2 (S. mutans + sacarose + amido), G3 (S. sobrinus + sacarose), G4 (S. sobrinus + sacarose + amido), G5 (S. mutans + S. sobrinus + sacarose), G6 (S. mutans + S. sobrinus + sacarose + amido), testados em 7 tempos de desafio cariogênico. Terminada esta etapa, foram obtidas imagens em escala de cada espécime pelo OCT, e em seguida os espécimes foram processados e submetidos à análise através de microscópio de luz polarizada. Em cada um dos métodos, foram realizadas 5 mensurações de profundidade da região desmineralizada. O teste estatístico de Análise de Variância (ANOVA) (p<0.05) detectou que os desafios cariogênicos testados foram capazes de desmineralizar o esmalte em profundidade, sendo influenciados pelo tipo de microrganismo, fonte de carboidrato e tempo (p=0,000). O Teste de Correlação de Pearson apresentou uma correlação significativa (p=0,000) entre as medidas de profundidade de desmineralização aferidas através dos métodos de luz polarizada e OCT. Logo, a tomografia por coerência óptica é um método não destrutivo válido para aferir a profundidade de desmineralização de lesões de mancha branca, que pode ser muito útil quando se objetiva obter substrato desmineralizado padronizado para estudos laboratoriais. Concluiu-se ainda que o desafio cariogênico realizado com microrganismo S. mutans UA 159, suplementado com sacarose como fonte de carboidrato por 6 dias, é capaz de produzir mancha branca de esmalte padronizada. Desta maneira, seria obtido um substrato modificado relevante para estudos laboratoriais. / The aim of this in vitro study was to optimize the microbiological method for the production of white spot lesions in enamel that can be validated by non-destructive test (optical coherence tomography - OCT) to enable the subsequent use of the specimens in other experiments. A hundred and sixty eight bovine enamel fragments with central windows of demineralization measuring 3,0 x 3,0 mm were obtained. The experimental groups were composed from three variation factors: the microorganism (S. mutans UA 159, S. sobrinus 3347 and S. mutans + S. sobrinus), carbohydrate source (1% sucrose and 1% sucrose + 1% starch) and time (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days). Thus, six experimental groups were formed: G1 (S. mutans + sucrose), G2 (S. mutans + starch + sucrose), G3 (S. sobrinus + sucrose), G4 (S. sobrinus + starch + sucrose), G5 (S. mutans + S. sobrinus + sucrose), G6 (S. mutans + S. sobrinus + sucrose + starch) tested in 7 periods of cariogenic challenge. After this step, images in scale were obtained from each specimen with OCT, and then the specimens were processed and analysed by polarized light microscopy. In each of the methods were performed 5 measurements of demineralization depth. The statistical test Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (p<0.05) detected that the cariogenic challenges tested were able to demineralize enamel in depth, regardless of the type of microorganism, carbohydrate source and time (p=0,000). The Pearson\'s Correlation Test showed a significant correlation (p=0,000) between the measurements of depth demineralization measured with polarized light microscopy and OCT. Therefore, the optical coherence tomography is a non-destructive method valid to measure the depth of demineralization of white spot lesions, which can be very useful when the objective is to obtain standard demineralized substrate for laboratory studies. It was also concluded that the cariogenic challenge performed with the microorganism Streptococcus mutans UA159, supplemented with sucrose as carbohydrate source for 6 days, is capable to produce standard white spot lesions in enamel. In this way, a modified substract relevant for laboratory studies could be obtained.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-06-13T13:02:47Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Erica Andrade Borges.pdf: 4139502 bytes, checksum: c80b9b1a5c5ba294663e2fd676cb075a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-13T13:02:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Erica Andrade Borges.pdf: 4139502 bytes, checksum: c80b9b1a5c5ba294663e2fd676cb075a (MD5) Previous issue date: 1201-02-11 / CAPEs / O objetivo deste estudo foi validar o uso da técnica da tomografia por coerência óptica através de experimento in vitro para avaliar a cimentação e a linha de união laminado-cimento-dente antes e depois da termociclagem, visando a aplicação clínica deste instrumento. Além de comparar diferentes modalidades de materiais e protocolos de cimentação. A técnica da tomografia por coerência óptica (TCO) é um método não invasivo, quantitativo e qualitativo, e foi utilizado para avaliação da qualidade póscimentação do laminado, minimizando possíveis erros, e proporcionando acompanhamento clínico sem exposição a radiação ou qualquer procedimento invasivo. Foram feitas imagens em 2D e 3D dos laminados e das superfícies dentais antes e depois da cimentação e do processo de ciclagem térmica. Os laminados (20) foram cimentados na superfície de esmalte bovino de acordo com uma distribuição aleatória em 4 grupos (n=05): FA – cimento resinoso dual com fotoativação prévia do adesivo; FC – cimento resinoso dual sem fotoativação prévia do adesivo; AF - cimento resinoso autocondicionante dual com fotoativação; AQ - cimento resinoso autocondicionante dual com polimerização química. Os laminados foram fabricados em porcelana modificada por dissilicato de lítio, na espessura de 0,5 mm. As análises foram feitas através de imagens 2D e 3D com o TCO. Os resultados mostraram claramente a presença de bolhas com dimensões típicas que variaram de 146 μm a 1427 μm, além de falhas como a presença de gap e até a desadaptação do laminado. Parte dessas falhas, já estavam presentes imediatamente após o processo de cimentação e após a ciclagem térmica mantiveram-se estáveis ou foram acentuadas. Os resultados indicam que um acompanhamento periódico de pacientes que utilizam laminados cerâmicos é de fundamental importância para garantia da manutenção da qualidade do procedimento, bem como evitar problemas na saúde bucal. Propomos então a técnica de TCO como padrão para este procedimento. / The aim of this study was to validate the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) through in vitro experiment to evaluate the cementing and the union line of lumineer-cement-tooth before and after the thermal cycling. In addition to comparing different types of materials and cementation protocols. The technique of optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, quantitative and qualitative method, and was used to evaluate the postcementation quality of the lamina, minimizing potential errors, and providing clinical follow-up without exposure to radiation or any invasive procedure. Were made in both 2D and 3D imaging of tooth surfaces and the laminate before and after the cementing and the thermocycling process. 20 specimens of lumineers-teetth were prepared in bovine teeth and randomly allocated in 4 experimental groups (n=5) with two different cementation techniques and two different types of cementing agent: FA - dual resin cement with prior photo activation of the adhesive; FC - dual resin cement without curing the adhesive; AF - self-etching resin cement with photoactivation; AQ - selfetching resin cement with chemical polymerization. The lumineers were made of lithium disilicate and obtained using a vacuum injection technique, thickness of 0.5 mm. The analysis was performed by using 2D and 3D OCT images, obtained before and after the thermal cycling. The results showed the presence of bubbles with typical size ranging from 146 μm to 1427 μm, and faults as the presence of gap and laminate mismatch. Some of these faults were already present immediately after the process of cementing and after thermal cycling remained stable or were marked. The results indicate that regular monitoring of patients using lumineers is of fundamental importance for ensuring the maintenance of the quality of the procedure and how to avoid problems in oral health. Then we propose the OCT technical default for this in vivo to follow-up.

Orientadores: Fernanda Miori Pascon, Regina Maria Puppin-Rontani / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T17:11:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rodrigues_RaquelViana_M.pdf: 3224342 bytes, checksum: 289b603a5c43d3b51b1c166eb9086408 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: O objetivo neste estudo in vitro foi analisar o esmalte bovino restaurado com diferentes materiais após o desafio cariogênico por meio da Tomografia de Coerência Óptica (OCT). Vinte e quatro incisivos bovinos foram selecionados, planificados e lixados para remoção do esmalte superficial, resultando em uma espessura de esmalte de 1 mm. Cavidades (1,5 x 0,5 mm) foram preparadas na superfície vestibular dos dentes, usando máquina padronizadora de preparos com ponta diamantada (#3131). Em seguida, os dentes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de acordo com o material restaurador (n=8): Cimento de Ionômero de Vidro Convencional - KetacTM Molar Easymix (3M ESPE); Cimento de Ionômero de Vidro Modificado por Resina - VitremerTM (3M ESPE); e Resina Composta - FiltekTM Z350 (3M ESPE). Os procedimentos restauradores foram realizados de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante e pelo mesmo operador. Após 24 horas foi realizado o acabamento e polimento com ponta diamantada (#3139) e discos Sof-LexTM (3M ESPE) de granulação média à extra-fina. As análises foram realizadas antes e após do desafio cariogênico utilizando o sistema de OCT (OCP930SR Thorlabs Inc.). Foram obtidas nove imagens de cada espécime, as quais foram analisadas por software (LabView 8) para se obter o coeficiente de atenuação óptico total em duas diferentes distâncias da área restaurada: 0-200?m e 200-400?m, a partir da margem da restauração. Todos os espécimes foram submetidos à ciclagem de pH, para simular o desafio cariogênico. Para isso, os espécimes foram imersos em solução desmineralizadora durante 6 horas e solução remineralizadora por 18 horas durante cinco dias, e dois dias adicionais em solução remineralizadora. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância e teste t pareado (p<0,05). Os dados da concordância intra-examinador foram analisados e a mesma foi considerada excelente (0,97). Não foi observada diferença entre os materiais em relação ao desafio cariogênico e áreas de análise (p>0,05). Considerando os tempos, antes e após o desafio cariogênico para cada material, nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada para KetacTM Molar Easymix em 0-200?m (p=0, 0932) e em 200-400?m (p=0, 0986). No entanto, observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa para VitremerTM (p=0,0246) e FiltekTM Z350 (p=0,0360) para ambas as áreas 0-200?m (p=0,0071) e 200-400?m (p=0,0014), sendo que houve aumento no coeficiente de atenuação óptico depois da ciclagem, indicando perda mineral. Nas condições do presente estudo, concluiu-se que: 1) alterações no esmalte bovino foram detectadas quanto este foi restaurado com materiais resinosos, uma vez que foi observado aumento no coeficiente de atenuação óptico, o que sugere a perda de mineral do esmalte após desafio cariogênico; 2) KetacTM Molar Easymix não apresentou diferença entre antes e após o desafio cariogênico indicando efeito protetor ao esmalte ao redor das restaurações quando esse material foi utilizado in vitro; 3) não foi observada diferença entre os materiais antes e após o desafio cariogênico / Abstract: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) analysis the bovine enamel restored with different materials submitted to cariogenic challenge. Twenty-four bovine incisors were selected, grounded and flattened to remove the first enamel surface and enamel thickness was measured in 1 mm. Cavities (1.5 x 0.5 mm) were prepared in the buccal surface of each tooth using a diamond bur (#3131) using a standard cavity preparation device. After that, teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups according to restorative material (n=8): Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement - KetacTM Molar Easymix (3M ESPE); Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer - VitremerTM (3M ESPE), and Resin Composite - FiltekTM Z350 (3M ESPE). All restorative procedures were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and by the same operator. After 24 hours it was performed finishing and polishing with diamond bur (#3139) and Sof-LexTM (3M ESPE) granulation medium to extra-fine. Analyzes were performed before and after the cariogenic challenge using OCT system (OCP930SR Thorlabs Inc.). Nine images were obtained from each specimen, which were analyzed by software (LabView 8) to obtain the total optical attenuation coefficient at two different distances from the restored area: 0-200?m or 200-400?m from the restoration margin. All specimens were submitted to pH-cycling to simulate the cariogenic challenge. For this, specimens were immersed in demineralizing solution for 6 hours and remineralizing solution for 18 hours for five days and two days in remineralizing solution. Data were submitted to ANOVA and paired t-test (p<0.05). Data from intra-examiner agreement were analyzed and was considered excellent (0.97). It was not observed difference among materials regarding the cariogenic challenge and areas of analysis (p>0.05). Considering before and after cariogenic challenge for each material, no significant difference was found for KetacTM Molar Easymix at 0-200?m (p=0.0932) and at 200-400?m (p=0.0986). However, statistically significant difference for VitremerTM (p=0.0246) and FiltekTM Z350 (p=0.0360) for both areas 0-200?m (p=0.0071) and 200-400?m (p=0.0014) was observed because of the increasing in optical attenuation coefficient after pH cycling, showing mineral loss. Within the conditions of the present study, it could be concluded that: 1) changes in bovine enamel were detected for resin-based materials since it was observed increase in optical attenuation coefficient, suggesting enamel mineral loss after cariogenic challenge; 2) Glass Ionomer Cement (KetacTM Molar Easymix) showed no difference between before and after cariogenic challenge indicating protective effects in enamel around the restoration; 3) no difference was found between the materials before or after the cariogenic challenge / Mestrado / Materiais Dentarios / Mestra em Materiais Dentários

Les avancées technologiques ont ouvert la voie à des approches de biopsie optique innovantes. Elles permettent à l'inverse des méthodes physiques de profiter des avantages d'une procédure mini-invasive, temps réels et répétitive. Le système de tomographie par cohérence optique (OCT) (la technique de biopsie optique utilisée dans cette thèse) propose des approches qui naviguent dans le corps humain grâce à des sondes endoscopiques robotisées. Toutefois, leur contrôle une fois à l’intérieur du corps devient difficile, surtout si l’objectif est de suivre l’évolution d'une zone cible, en faisant un travail de repositionnement dans le temps. L'asservissement visuel est un outil de choix pour le contrôle et le positionnement directement par l'image. Néanmoins, la richesse des informations présentes dans les images autorisent l'utilisation de plusieurs types d'information visuelle. Dans ce contexte, nous proposons l'utilisation de primitives visuelles innovantes fondées sur les ondelettes. Ainsi, deux approches d'asservissements visuels fondées sur les ondelettes ont été développées. La première approche est un asservissement visuel 2D pose fondé sur les ondelettes spectrales continues qui assure une convergence sur un espace plus important avec une bonne robustesse au bruit et une commande découplée. La deuxième est un asservissement visuel 2D direct fondé sur les ondelettes multirésolution, principalement pour faire du positionnement aux petits déplacements. Par ailleurs, la deuxième méthode couvre les 6 DDL quand la première se limite aux 3 DDL dans les images CCD. De plus, ces deux approches ont prouvé leurs aptitudes à faire du positionnement des coupes OCT. Mais encore, nous avons proposé une méthode de positionnement partitionnée que nous pouvons qualifier d'hybride, car elle exploite deux modalités d'images (OCT - CCD) pour assurer un positionnement sur SE(3) d'un échantillon. De même, nous avons proposé une méthode d'étalonnage des images de coupe et de volume OCT, liée aux distorsions générées par le chemin optique parcouru par le faisceau laser OCT. Finalement, ces travaux ouvrent la voie vers des applications dans le positionnement des volumes OCT, la compensation de mouvement physiologique et le suivi d'outils par des images OCT. / The technological advances have facilitated the optical biopsy approaches, unlike physical methods to take advantage of a minimally invasive, real time and repetitive procedure. The optical coherence tomography system is one of the optical biopsy techniques used in this thesis to prospect in the human body with robotized OCT endoscopic probes. Nevertheless, their control once inside the body becomes difficult, especially if the goal is following changes in the target area. The visual servoing is an ideal tool for the control and positioning of the robot. However, the amount of information present in the images allows the use of several types of visual features. In this thesis, we propose to use an innovative visual servoing feature based on wavelets. This representation developed as the evolution of the Fourier transform for non-stationary signals provides a time-frequency representation of the signal with a better extraction of the relevant information. Indeed, two visual servoing approaches based on wavelets were developed. The first approach is a 2D pose visual servoing based on spectral continuous wavelets, which ensures convergence over a larger area and decoupled control. The second is a direct 2D visual servoing based on multiresolution wavelets, mainly for small displacements positioning. However, the latter covers the 6 DOF when the previous one is limited to 3 DDL with a CCD camera. Both approaches have proven their ability to make the positioning of B-Scan OCT images. After that, we have proposed a method of partitioned positioning, that we can qualify by hybrid because it uses two image modalities to ensure SE(3) positioning of a sample. On the other side, we proposed a calibration method of B-Scan and 3D-Scan OCT images, due to the distortions generated by the optical path of the laser beam in OCT. Finally, these thesis is a beginning work for applications in positioning of 3D-Scan OCT, physiological motion compensation and monitoring tools by OCT images.

The emergence of microneedle (MN) technologies offers a route for a pain free, straightforward and efficient way of transdermal drug delivery, but technological barriers still exist which pose significant challenges for manufacture of MN systems with high volume outputs at low cost. The main aim of this research was to develop new ways for MN manufacture primarily using micro-injection moulding processes with high performance engineering thermoplastics. During the moulding process these polymeric melts will be subjected to extreme stress and temperature gradients and detailed material characterisation combined with in-line monitoring is desirable to optimise the moulding parameters and will help in achieving sharp microneedles with acceptable quality. Hence high shear rheology of these selected materials was performed at wall shear rates carried out in excess of 107 s-1 over a range of temperatures to predict the flow behaviour of polymer melts at such high shear strain rates. This information was fed into injection moulding simulation software tools (Moldflow) to assist the MN production process design. The optimal design was then used to produce a full 3D solid model of the injection mould and mould insert. Furthermore various design of experiments were conducted considering input parameters such as injection pressure, injection speed, melt temperature, filling time and mould cavity temperature. Response variables including product quality and data acquired from the cavity pressure and temperature transducers were used to optimise the manufacturing process. The moulded MNs were geometrically assessed using a range of characterisation techniques such as atomic force microscopy, confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. An attempt to make hollow MNs was performed and encountered many challenges like partial cavity filling and part ejection during processing. Studies were carried out to understand the problem and identified the major problem was in tool design and improvements to the moulding tool design were recommended. Plasma treatment and mechanical abrasion were employed to increase the surface energy of the moulded polymer surfaces with the aim of enhancing protein adsorption. Sample surface structures before and after treatment were studied using AFM and surface energies have been obtained using contact angle measurement and calculated using Owens-Wendt theory. Adsorption performance of bovine serum albumin and release kinetics for each sample set was assessed using a Franz diffusion cell. Results indicate that plasma treatment significantly increases the surface energy and roughness resulting in better adsorption and release of BSA. To assist design-optimisation and to assess performance, a greater understanding of MN penetration behaviour is required. Contact stiffness, failure strength and creep behaviour were measured during compression tests of MN against a steel surface, and in-vitro penetration of MNs into porcine skin. The MN penetration process into porcine skin was imaged using optical coherence tomography. Finally, a finite element model of skin was established to understand the effect of tip geometry on penetration. The output of findings from this research will provide proof of concept level development and understanding of mechanisms of MN penetration and failure, facilitating design improvements for micro-injection moulded polymeric MNs.