Imec, Ghent University and SEED Develop LED Embedded Lenses for Medical Applications

Imec, the Belgium-based nanoelectronics research center, has worked with Ghent University and contact lens producer SEED to develop a contact lens integrated with LED light. The lens is presented at imec technology forum Japan (ITF Japan 2018) on November 19th, 2018.

The contact lens with an integrated LED light is made of hydrogel-based material and is embedded with an ultra-thin silicon microchip, radio‐frequency (RF) antenna for wireless energy transfer, and stretchable thin‐film interconnections. imec and CMST, an imec research group at Ghent University, made the spherical‐shaped electronics and SEED was responsible for embedding them into the hydrogel-based soft lens. Together they demonstrated a semi-passive smart lens with blue LED light powered by an RF coupling. Besides power transfer, the RF link can be used to calibrate the integrated transducers and reading the sensors out into a handheld device for further post-processing.

 
(Left: Self-standing flexible RF antenna with thin microchip, LED light and stretchable interconnections.
Right: Semi-passive hydrogel-based smart contact lens powered up by an RF wireless coupling. Image: imec)

The advancement of electronic systems makes it possible to integrate transducers into lenses for diagnosing and treating ocular diseases. The challenge is to integrate a complete autonomous system and make it as flexible as a soft lens, without compromising its oxygen-permeable nature and the integrity of the electronics components.

According to imec, the hydrogel-based soft lenses provide a wider range for applications including lenses with sensors and drug-delivery systems eye treatments at the congenital, post-surgery or trauma level. Contact lenses are less invasive and could continuously monitor eyes without discomfort.

Andrés Vásquez Quintero, imec researcher and professor at UGent, said, “Flexible and stretchable electronics hold a lot of promise for medical applications. They can be integrated in intelligent clothing, and even – when combined with highly miniaturized electronics – in smaller devices such as contact lenses. Major challenges have to be overcome to make a truly autonomous smart lens which is comfortable to wear and stable for a few days or even weeks. The integration of a LED light in a semi-passive RF wireless platform is the first important step towards a device that will change the life of many.”

Following steps will focus on developing active lenses with extended power autonomy in order to drive and readout the integrated transducers and on the design of micro-transducers compatible with stretchable systems similar to the one presented here.

Disclaimers of Warranties
1. The website does not warrant the following:
1.1 The services from the website meets your requirement;
1.2 The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the service;
1.3 The accuracy, reliability of conclusions drawn from using the service;
1.4 The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness, or security of any information that you download from the website
2. The services provided by the website is intended for your reference only. The website shall be not be responsible for investment decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from use of the website or the information contained therein<
Proprietary Rights
You may not reproduce, modify, create derivative works from, display, perform, publish, distribute, disseminate, broadcast or circulate to any third party, any materials contained on the services without the express prior written consent of the website or its legal owner.

New flux bin options offer even better optical performance and efficacy Cree LED has introduced XLamp XP-G3 S Line and XP-G4 White LEDs that are now brighter, with new minimum flux bin options for drop-in increases of output and efficacy. XP-G... READ MORE

For decades, Cree LED has been at the forefront of video LED technology, setting the industry benchmark for large-format displays, digital signage and video screens used in sporting events, concerts and commercial installations. Our expansive ... READ MORE