The aim of the Endocam research stream is to develop a chip-on-tip medical device for imaging inside the body. The Endocam integrates multiple technologies – the Endocam chip, advanced optics and miniaturisation and packaging.
Key people:
- Andrew Matheson
- Charlotte Hopkinson
- Penny Lawton (Proteus Alumna)
Chip-on-tip with advanced optics
The Endocam concept began with the aim of developing a miniaturised chip-on-tip device for in-vivo endoscopy. Multiple designs were considered with different sizes and fields of view and different implications for their applications in the body.
After initial characterisation of the Endocam chip, the goal was to get it to operate remotely via a length of cable rather than plugged directly into its motherboard. The next stages include modifying the chip firmware so that an external laser can be used as the master clock for the system and optimising it for remote operation.
Miniature optics with a small field of view will optimise light efficiency and generate lifetime measurements. Options include using a GRIN lens or a diamond-machined single piece reflective design.
Medical device prototyping and applications
Proteus is collaborating with the Tyndall Institute in Ireland to develop a functional medical device and test it in in-human studies.
There is potential to use the Endocam device in dental research and to use the widefield FLIM capabilities of Endocam for chemical sensing.
