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PolyU wins six prizes at 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has once again excelled in this year’s online special edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo) - Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days – Virtual Event. The Exhibition is regarded as one of the most important annual global events devoted exclusively to inventions. This year, PolyU has garnered a total of six awards, including one Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, one Gold Medal, three Silver Medals and one Bronze Medal. PolyU researchers commit to the motto of the University, " To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, by transferring their research into impactful real-life applications that benefit society. Four of the six participating projects are operated by PolyU supported start-ups which has already commercialised its research outputs. As the only university in Hong Kong taking part in the Nation’s space missions, the PolyU team is also actively developing instruments for the national space mission by leveraging its expertise in precision engineering. In addition, PolyU is also striving to leverage its research to improve people’s quality of life. The participating projects this year, which incorporate research in the areas of cooling coatings, eco-friendly building materials, smart fabrics, nutritional supplements and AI music learning platform, are just a few examples of this effort. The awards received by the PolyU teams are testament to their determination and unique capabilities in their areas of expertise, which have earned them international recognition. The teams will continue their good work by developing more innovative solutions that will eventually benefit Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The six projects are (project details in Appendix and on the website of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office https://www.polyu.edu.hk/kteo/polyu-innovations/award/geneva2022/):   Project Principal Investigator Awards Camera Pointing System for China’s Lunar Exploration Missions (Chang'e 3 and 4) Prof. Kai-leung YUNG Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury UmiCool: an Eco-friendly Smart Sub-ambient Radiative Cooling (SSRC) Coating Prof. Jianguo DAI Professor and Associate Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Founder of Pro-Infra Science & Technology Limited (a PolyU Academic-led start-up) Gold Medal Carbon-negative Climate-smart Biochar Partition Block Prof. Daniel Chiu-Wa TSANG Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Founder of NeutralCrete Limited (a PolyU Academic-led start-up) Silver Medal Omni-Cool-Dry™: Skin-like Fabric for Dynamic Thermal and Moisture Management Dr Dahua SHOU Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing Silver Medal AkkMore™: a Fungus and Plant Based Supplement Against Obesity or Prediabetes Dr. Gail Jinhui CHANG Research Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Co-founder of Bo InnoHealth Biotechnology Company Limited (a PolyU GBA Start-up PostDoc and PolyU Academic-led startup) Silver Medal Algorithmic Music Composition Software for Popularising AI Education Dr Gong CHEN PhD alumni of the Department of Computing, Founder of RhySoul Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited (a PolyU GBA Start-up PostDoc) Bronze Medal   The Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days – Virtual Event this year attracted about 800 inventions from 25 countries/regions. For details, please visit the event organiser’s official website: www.inventions-geneva.ch. [From PolyU Media Release]   Related News Articles: 理大探月相機系統揚威國際 [文匯報(Wen Wei Po)] 理大研探月相機指向系統日內瓦發明展奪最高殊榮 [星島日報(Sing Tao Daily)]  

29 Mar, 2022

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Monitoring medical conditions from inside the body with optical fibre microsensors

PolyU researchers have developed groundbreaking optical fibre microsensors which can be implanted into people’s bodies for medical applications.   Once used mainly for the transmission of data, fibre optics technology is increasingly being deployed in medical applications. Professor Tam Hwa-yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics and Head of PolyU’s Department of Electrical Engineering, has led a research team to develop novel fibre optic microsensors, which can be implanted into people’s bodies to enable more accurate medical surveillance for surgery and treatment.   The research team used an advanced plastic material, ZEONEX, to develop the microsensors, while they also added a ‘side hole’ inside the optical fibres to enhance their sensitivity. Named the “Side Hole Polymer Optical Fibre Sensors”, the microsensors are biocompatible, supple and extremely sensitive to very small pressure changes inside human bodies.   The new microsensors can be as small as a few micrometres. “Our microsensors can detect extremely subtle changes, even a difference smaller than 1% of atmospheric pressure. They are sensitive enough to measure pressure inside the lungs while someone is breathing,” Professor Tam said. He believes the breakthrough will enable the development of a whole new range of applications for medical monitoring inside people’s bodies.   Overcoming the drawbacks of existing optical fibres   Although optical fibres are increasingly being used in medical equipment, such as sensor-based wearable medical devices and surgical instrumentation, the existing glass optical fibres and the traditional plastic optical fibres have several drawbacks. The former is too stiff and brittle, while the latter may absorb water that can affect the operation of sensors.   The PolyU-developed microsensors overcome these challenges, enabling them to be implanted inside people’s bodies. Professor Tam explained: “The plastic material ZEONEX has low moisture absorption and high precision in molding. To enhance the sensitivity of the microsensors, we have also added a side hole running parallel with the light transmission path inside the optical fibre.”   “Therefore, the microsensors can be made as small as a few micrometres and their sensitivity to pressure is 20 times that of traditional optical fibre sensors,” he added.   Creating new possibilities for medical applications   As the microsensors are humidity insensitive, shatter-resistant, chemically inert and biocompatible, they can potentially be used for a broader range of medical applications.   Cochlear implantation with higher accuracy The PolyU research team, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Australia, is incorporating tailored microsensors into cochlear implants, so that surgeons can obtain real-time information on the location and force response of the cochlear implant during surgery, thereby increasing the implant’s effectiveness.   Navigation monitoring in cardiac catheterisation With high shatter resistance and biocompatibility, the new optical fibres can be used for precise navigation and shape detection for minimally invasive surgical procedures.   Bone fracture recovery monitoring The PolyU research team is collaborating with Monash University in Australia to integrate the microsensors into orthopaedic implants for monitoring bone fracture recovery. The photo shows that the microsensors (fixed by yellow tapes) are placed near the fixed implant of the fractured area (middle) of the thigh bone.   The future of microsensors   The “Side Hole Polymer Optical Fibre Sensors” research findings were published in 2021 in US-based The Optical Society’s Optics Letters. Some of the applications jointly developed with other universities have already been granted patents.   Professor Tam and his team are now working to expand the sensors’ ability to measure other physical or chemical changes in the body, such as acidity and temperature.   “We are also seeking to develop a sensing network that integrates our sensors with emerging technologies like the wireless Internet of Things. The sensing network would be able to give a comprehensive and precise picture of changes inside the human body, thus helping patients around the world through technological innovation,” he said. By integrating the new microsensors with wireless Internet of Things, Professor Tam (middle) and research fellows, Dr Xin Cheng (left) and Dr Dinusha Serandi Gunawardena (right), aim to develop a sensing network that can provide a comprehensive and precise picture of changes inside human bodies. [From excel@PolyU]

11 Mar, 2022

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PolyU and University of Maryland from the US, jointly established the Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety (CAiRS) Combining AI and innovative technologies to improve product safety and system reliability

In our daily life, there are many reliability and safety issues. Electronics degrade due to complex electronics ageing, latent software faults, and the interactions between the two. Also, electronic system failures are inevitable because of the current methods to assess reliability and safety. These issues are very likely to lead to serious consequences. In view of this, two universities, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Maryland - College Park (UMD), have jointly established a research and development laboratory, namely the - Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety (CAiRS). The Centre gathers top researchers from all over the world, uses the most advanced equipment and leverages innovative artificial intelligence technology in order to conduct various product reliability and system safety research to accurately predict the occurrence of failures and prevent them from occurring. CAiRS has been admitted as one of the research laboratories in the InnoHK Clusters, a major initiative of the HKSAR. CAiRS has carried out five research programmes to date. They are “Anomaly Detection and Syndromic Surveillances”, “Innovative Diagnostics for Health Management”, “Prognostics for Remaining Useful Life Assessment”, “Safety Assurance: Improve functional safety” and “Data Analytics Platform for Reliability” (Totally have 15 projects). The range of applications of the research is very wide, including robots, medical equipment, vehicles, telecommunications, consumer goods, public utilities, transportation, microelectronics, electrical installations, sensors, IoT products and other advanced manufacturing technology. Moreover, CAiRS has signed cooperation agreements with 28 well-known local companies to jointly conduct research and improve the reliability and safety of products and systems. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “Harnessing its advanced equipment and, top-notch scientific research talents, CAiRS is dedicated to the research and development of breakthrough technologies. Their research solutions can be widely adopted by all industries in Hong Kong that value reliability and system safety. PolyU has been actively cooperating with world-renowned universities and establishing close partnerships with industry to benefit society through cutting-edge research. I believe that CAiRS can effectively translate scientific research results to real world solutions, creating positive impact for various industries as well as society.” Ir. Prof. Winco YUNG, Centre Director and Executive Director, Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety (CAiRS) said, “CAiRS focuses on the use of artificial intelligence to develop new personalized management models. The application and results of the Centre’s research are very important to the development of smart cities. The scientific research team of CAiRS and I am delighted to use our expertise to collaborate with partners in different industries. CAiRS will build an international brand for the products and systems in Hong Kong, and contribute to the development of smart cities and advanced manufacturing.” PolyU is committed to conducting state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research in response to the needs of industry and society. With over 20 specialists and scholars from the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and UMD, UMD's excellent research foundation in product reliability, and strong support from industry, CAiRS will bring benefits and contributions to smart city development and advanced manufacturing. [From PolyU Media Release]   Related News Articles: 理大產品研發中心 AI提升機械安全度 進駐InnoHK 與28企業合作 [星島日報(Sing Tao Daily)] 理大研發中心AI測產品安全 夥28本地企業 攻智能移動製造 [信報(Hong Kong Economic Journal)]

31 Dec, 2021

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PolyU innovations in advanced textiles, new materials synthesis and centimetre-precision positioning win TechConnect awards

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was awarded three prestigious prizes at this year’s TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo (TechConnect) in Washington DC. PolyU research teams excelled in the area of “Materials & Manufacturing” with two innovations being awarded TechConnect 2021 Global Innovation Awards. The PolyU innovators had developed a nature-inspired ‘sweatable’ textile material capable of ultra-fast sweat dissipation; as well as inventing an environmentally friendly technique to synthesizing MXenes – a promising energy storage material designed to meet rising global energy demands. In the area of “AI, Data, Cyber & Software”, PolyU has developed 3D LiDAR-aided GNSS precise positioning technology that allows highly robust centimetre-level global positioning in urban environments for automated driving, which also received a TechConnect 2021 Global Innovation Award. PolyU is the only higher education institution in Hong Kong this year that received the awards, which recognise the top 15% of submitted technologies based on their potential positive impact in different technological areas. Other awarded innovators include those from global-renowned universities, institutes and laboratories, including several national laboratories affiliated with the US Department of Energy. It is the fifth year that PolyU research teams have been awarded the prestigious prizes at the world's largest multi-sector event for fostering development and commercialising innovations. Professor Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, congratulated the teams. He said: “I am delighted that PolyU’s latest innovations – from advanced manufacturing, materials and electronics micro-systems to AI, data and software technologies – have been recognised and showcased at TechConnect. Not only does this acknowledge the value of PolyU’s impactful research and the innovations that shape smart city development and tackle various environmental and public health issues, but it also paves the way for further research collaboration in the global arena.” PolyU’s three award-winning innovations are: Sweatextile: A Nature-Inspired Textile of Unidirectional Water Transport and Dissipation for Moisture Management, Comfort and Protection by Dr SHOU Dahua, Professor FAN Jintu and Dr WEI Xin, Institute of Textiles and Clothing Going beyond the capabilities of existing wicking textiles, Sweatextile mimics the perspiration action of human skin, quickly directing and dissipating excessive sweat as water droplets on the outer surface, keeping the wearer dry, comfortable and having greater energy and endurance. In addition to enjoying fast wicking and moisture dissipation, Sweatextile protects wearers from external liquids such as rain and contaminated water. This innovation can benefit a wide range of consumers including outdoor enthusiasts and highly-active professionals. HF-free facile and rapid synthesis of MXenes related materials for Efficient Energy Conversion and Storage Applications by Professor HAO Jianhua and Ms PANG Sin-Yi, Department of Applied Physics MXenes have widespread uses in electrochemical energy storage and biological application due to their high robustness and non-toxicity. Traditional synthetic routes require the use of highly toxic hydrofluoric (HF) acid to synthesize MXenes, which raises considerable safety and environmental concerns. To overcome this problem, a HF-free electrochemical method has been developed to synthesize MXenes. The resulting MXenes exhibit stable and highly efficient energy storage and hydrogen gas synthesis capabilities, offering promising applications aiming to address the fast-approaching energy crisis and increasing energy demands. 3D LiDAR Aided GNSS Precise Positioning for Level 4 Autonomous Driving by Dr HSU Li-Ta and Dr WEN Weisong, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering The 3D LiDAR-Aided GNSS Precise Positioning technology developed by PolyU tightly couples its environmental perception capability with high-precision satellite positioning technology to achieve an intelligent self-adjusting satellite ranging measurement modeling and correction. This allows highly robust centimetre-level high-precision global positioning in urban environments to be achieved for Level 4 autonomous driving. Besides the three award-winning innovations, a number of other PolyU inventions were also shortlisted in the TechConnect Innovation Showcase which recognises promising technologies within their respective fields. The PolyU showcase included advanced material and manufacturing innovations, such as: an integrated microfluidic system that can replicate natural photosynthesis with greater energy efficiency; an eco-friendly smart coating material which adopts a “smart” cooling mechanism that can both enhance daytime cooling and minimize nighttime heat loss; and a novel antimicrobial 3D printing technology that enables new medical usage of 3D printing products to combat contact transmission of lethal microbes in public areas. For more details of the event and the awards, please refer to the official website of TechConnect at https://www.techconnectworld.com/World2021 and the list of awardees at https://www.techconnectworld.com/World2021/participate/innovation/awards.html. [From PolyU Media Release]   Related News Articles: 理大3科研成果齊奪全球創新獎 [信報(Hong Kong Economic Journal)]

18 Oct, 2021

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Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Engineering

31 Aug, 2021

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22港科學家獲國家優青基金 有入選者研新冠病毒 冀與內地團隊合作

大公報 (Ta Kung Po)

23 Aug, 2021

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科技部批准設國家重點實驗室 理大超精密加工技術成製造利器

香港商報(Hong Kong Commercial Daily)

23 Aug, 2021

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PolyU develops AI-based screening system for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative disease with no cure. Early detection is critical for early intervention to prevent disease progression and to reduce the need for salvage joint replacement surgery.   A team led by Dr Chunyi Wen, Associate Professor of PolyU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, has developed an artificial intelligence-based KOA screening system that can predict the risk of KOA progression at different time points in the future with an accuracy of 80%. The system won “Global Innovation Awards” at the TechConnect Business Virtual Summit and Showcase 2020.   The system was trained by US Dataset with data of over 10,000 KOA patients. Mr Justin Chan, MPhil student in Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, said the system can predict the risk of KOA with basic information of the patient, such as age and daily habit, plus a medical-related questionnaire of about 20 questions responded by the patient’s family doctor.   Dr Wen noted that under the current hospital flow, new KOA patients have to wait for years for treatment in public hospitals. Their system can provide early diagnosis and therefore reduce the consultation time by up to 90%. The outcome would also aid clinical practitioners to perform efficient triage and construct personalised treatment plans.   Mr Toby Li, also MPhil student in Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, pointed out that the AI system can deepen the collaboration between community medical and clinical systems, as well as improve the management of chronic diseases, and hence an expected reduction of health costs of HK$1.4 billion each year.   The team is currently applying to the Hospital Authority for the use of data of 100,000 KOA patients in Hong Kong, with an aim of enhancing the system’s accuracy to 90%. It is also applying for subsidies from the government to recruit 2,000 people for clinical tests within five years.   Moreover, a mobile application is being developed to measure and record relevant physiological data of the patients regularly, so as to facilitate continuous tracking and self-management of the disease. (Oriental Daily News A13, Hong Kong Economic Times A19, Ta Kung Pao A09) [From Department of Biomedical Engineering]   Related News Articles: 理大研智能預警系統 防膝骨關節炎 [東方日報(Oriental Daily News)] 理大研AI系統 預測膝骨關節炎 開發手機App助記錄數據 監察病情 [經濟日報(Hong Kong Economic Times)] 理大研究奪全球創新獎 助分流患者 膝關節炎AI預警 準確率90% [大公報(Ta Kung Po)] 理大研AI系統評估膝關節炎 有助提升準確度及節省診症時間 [香港01(HK01)]

9 Aug, 2021

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Transforming with technology - How a technology leader sees changes in the post-pandemic world

Mr Horace Chow Chok-kee Diploma in Computing Studies, Hong Kong Polytechnic (1985) Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Portsmouth, the UK (1989) Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft China Recipient of Distinguished Alumni Award, Department of Computing, PolyU (2014) Chairman, Departmental Advisory Committee, Department of Computing, PolyU (2015 - 2020) From an anxious student who did not know how to log on to a computer, to a veteran of a tech giant, Mr Horace Chow Chok-kee, Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft China, has undergone a dramatic transformation since he first joined Hong Kong Polytechnic (a predecessor of PolyU) more than 30 years ago. For decades, technology has not only shaped Horace, but it has also revolutionised enterprises and changed the daily lives of people across the world. Today, Horace helps his clients get to grips with these changes, guiding them through their digital transformation journeys, and acting as a bridge between technology and ordinary people. From novice to expert Before entering the Polytechnic in the 1980s, Horace did not know anything about computers. “My elder brothers filled out the application form for me, choosing mechanical engineering programmes. I was disobedient. I crossed out their choices and ticked computing studies instead - a subject I knew nothing about,” he remembers. “In the admission test, I was only able to answer questions on language and mathematics, and I left all those relating to computers empty,” he says. Surprisingly, Horace’s application was successful. While his classmates appeared knowledgeable about computers, Horace outshone many of them with his excellent communication and coordination skills. In his second year of the computing studies programme, he managed to master programming skills, gradually developing his interest in the information technology (IT) field. “I feel so blessed to have entered the Polytechnic,” Horace says. “I am always fascinated by PolyU’s signature red brick architecture and beautiful library. It is a landmark in the city. I like the campus which is open and cosy.” Horace’s curiosity to experience life outside of Hong Kong motivated him to pursue further studies in the UK after graduating from the diploma programme. A few years later, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Portsmouth. His ability to take on any challenge, anywhere has enabled him to develop a global perspective. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in a number of different countries, such as Japan, Korea, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and India, to name a few. In 2017, his global exposure was further increased when he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft China. Since then, he has been based in Beijing, playing a pivotal role in guiding customers and partners in Mainland China through their digital transformation journeys. Transformation in enterprises Horace’s experience of different countries has left him well adapted to operating in diverse cultures and unexpected working environment. He thinks the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of adaptability to everyone. “The pandemic changed the way we work and accelerated digital transformation,” Horace says. “For instance, when commuting was considered risky and remote working practices became the ‘new normal’, most of us relied on videoconferencing technologies.” Currently based in Beijing, Horace plays a leading role in the management of Microsoft China’s business. As an advocate of technology, Horace expects remote working arrangements, supported by technology, to remain even once the pandemic has subsided. “Nowadays, nobody can say they do not need technology. Technology is everywhere. Companies see the benefits. The use of technology facilitates innovation, saves time, minimises business travel, and significantly reduces costs. Digital transformation has become a trend in every industry,” Horace explains. In the post-pandemic era, he expects the workplace transformation to continue. “While employers may not meet their staff in person, they will need lots of trust. We will also need to have more one-to-one quality communications with each other, offering a personal touch to complement the remote working model that keeps people apart,” he says. Horace believes being open-minded, having an appreciative attitude and being collaborative are all key attributes to successfully coping with changing working practices. Technology transforms the world With digital transformation spanning across every industry and profession, IT professionals play a key role in bridging the gaps between technology and ordinary people. Horace actively encourages IT students to take on this role in the tech-driven world. In 2015, when he was the General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong, he contributed to his alma mater by setting up the PolyU-Microsoft Smart Computing Laboratory, which provides students with opportunities to integrate their knowledge into practical work. He is also the former Chairman of the Departmental Advisory Committee of the Department of Computing (COMP). His outstanding achievements in career and significant contributions to PolyU were recognised with a COMP Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014. When asked what advice he would give to young graduates, Horace says: “Think global. Know more about what is happening in the world. Be open. Be appreciative. Seek diversified knowledge in areas other than just your own profession. Put your trust in teamwork. When your team shines, so do you.” Horace (front row, fourth from right), a recipient of COMP Distinguished Alumni Award, often visits PolyU and contributes to the University with his expertise. [From Impact x Excel]

13 Jul, 2021

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PolyU develops highly sensitive, microscopic optical fibre sensors with pioneering biomedical monitoring capability

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has made a breakthrough development in optical fibre sensors, making the advanced railway safety monitoring technologies available for medical surveillance inside the human body. The research team led by Professor Hwa-yaw TAM, Chair Professor of Photonics and Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at PolyU, developed the novel fibre optic microsensors that are biocompatible, supple and extremely sensitive to very small pressure changes inside the human body. The new sensors open new possibilities for medical applications, from improving surgery precision to providing novel ways of monitoring human body recovery from within the body. Examples include smart cochlear implantation, bone fracture recovery monitoring, or navigation monitoring in cardiac catheterization. Optical fibres are not just for transmission – they are also good sensors for detecting external changes by observing the reflection of the light beams passing through them. There is also growing use of fibre optics technology in medical applications, such as in surgical instrumentation, diagnostic and imaging equipment, or sensor-based wearable medical devices. However, to deploy fibre optic sensing technology for monitoring inside the human body, traditional optical fibres made of glass or plastic have major drawbacks – glass is too stiff and brittle, while traditional plastic fibres tend to absorb water. Furthermore, the optical fibre sensors need to be able to detect very subtle changes for the purpose of medical monitoring. Professor Tam’s team made a critical breakthrough by basing their novel fibre optic sensors on an advanced plastic material, ZEONEX, that solves the problems of glass and traditional plastic. In addition, the new sensor is made more sensitive by adding a side hole running in parallel with the light transmission path inside the optical fibre. The new “Side Hole Polymer Optical Fibre Sensors” are biocompatible and could be made as small as a few micrometres. Their sensitivity to pressure is twenty times that of traditional optical fibre sensors. Professor Tam believes the sensors enable whole new applications for medical monitoring inside the human body not available before. “The new plastic sensors are humidity insensitive, supple and shatter-resistant. They are also chemically inert, biocompatible, and can be made super tiny in size. These unique features make the sensors ideal for integration with medical implants,” Professor Tam said. “The new plastic optical fibre sensors can detect extremely subtle changes even of a difference smaller than 1 per cent of atmospheric pressure – sensitive enough to measure pressure inside the lungs while breathing, which changes by just a few kilopascals,” he added. The research team is currently working with counterparts from Australian and Japanese universities to develop various sensors for medical monitoring applications. For instance, a smart cochlear implant featuring the PolyU tiny sensors could provide critical information about location and force to surgeons in real time during the implantation procedure. The smart cochlear implant will commence in vitro testing at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. PolyU is also working with Monash University researchers to integrate fibre sensors in orthopaedic implants for monitoring bone fracture recovery. The PolyU research team will continue to explore further medical monitoring applications using the new plastic fibre optic sensors, including their use for precise navigation and shape detection in cardiac catheterization. Professor Tam and his team are also working to expand the sensors’ ability to measure other physical or chemical changes like acidity and temperature. “We also seek to develop a sensing network that integrates our sensors with emerging technologies like the wireless Internet-of-Things. The sensing network would be able to give a comprehensive and precise picture of changes inside the human body, thus helping patients around the world via technological innovation,” he said. The “Side Hole Polymer Optical Fibre Sensors” research findings were published earlier this year in Optics Letters by US-based The Optical Society. Part of the jointly developed applications with other universities have already been granted patents. [From PolyU Media Release]   Related News Articles: 理大研光纖傳感器 手術更精準 [經濟日報(Hong Kong Economic Times)]

13 Jul, 2021

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