New Optical Approach and Instrumentation for Single Particle Flow-thru Measurement of Mueller Matrix

Inventor(s): Jozsef Czege, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Biomedical Instrumentation Center, and Dr. Burt V. Bronk, Air Force Research Laboratory, HEPC at Wright Patterson Air Force Base The application describes a novel optical instrument for measuring scattering properties of micron-sized particles via Mueller Matrix (MM) elements. Drs. Czege and Bronk have developed and tested a new single step, instantaneous method that can be packaged into a turn-key table-top instrument with modest additional development, and like many commercial spectrometers, could be successfully operated by anyone with average laboratory and technical skills. The new instrument allows for the instantaneous measurement of multiple MM parameters simultaneously in a fraction of a second for each particle in an aerosolized stream. Potential Applications for Particle Analysis Using this Method: 1) Real-time measurements of size and shape of micron-sized biological particles such as living bacteria in a suspension; 2) Quality control of manufacturing of micron-sized particles of various shapes to determine the extent of deviation from design parameters for members of a batch of particles; 3) Quality control of various powders manufactured for pharmaceuticals and other applications; 4) A method to give first responders important quantitative shape information on particles in an aerosol. This will help determine when hazardous particles or pathogens are present in the air. This information can be obtained on a single particle basis from airborne particles by this new method; and 5) Development of additional methods to determine the types of cells contained in biomedical samples. Collaboration with Industry Desired The scientists involved in this effort have had considerable experience in using Mueller matrix methods in various applications. Dr. J. Czege is a research professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He is an expert experimental physicist, who is highly skilled in optical science and instrument development. Dr. B. V. Bronk is a biophysicist with the Air Force Research Laboratory with many years of experience in measuring physical properties of microorganisms. The Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. is exploring opportunities for patent licensing and collaborative development of the described instrument with parties interested in a research partnership with the inventors. We are looking for a partner who can show the ability to obtain or fabricate certain instrumentation for producing a prototype and provide some financial support for the project. The Foundation has filed a patent application covering the technology. To discuss licensing this technology please contact Carol Lavrich.