Medical Applications of Superluminescent Diodes in the Treatment of Diseases

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Superluminescent diodes (SLDs) are widely used in medical fields such as ophthalmology, dermatology, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and otolaryngology, to name a few. The majority of applications employ SLD diodes with wavelengths ranging from 1000nm to 1550nm.

Short temporal coherence, efficient coupling into single-mode fibres, divergence-limited light emittance, broad optical spectrum, presence of the optical waveguide, linear polarisation state, and amplified spontaneous emission are some of the factors that have made superluminescent light emitting diodes widely popular in medical fields.


Superluminescent diodes (SLDs)


A.     SLD Diodes Applications in Ophthalmology:
Let us now take a look at the role of the superluminescent diode in each of these applications.

Superluminescent diodes are used in ophthalmology for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that takes cross-section pictures of your retina using low-coherence light waves. The ophthalmologist can use the technology to map and measure the thickness of the retina as well as diagnose the condition.

The use of SLED is justified because its broad spectrum and short coherence length improve OCT image depth resolution. Furthermore, the OCT requires a light source capable of efficiently directing light to a single point in the sample.

B.     SLD Diodes Applications in Dermatology:

Due to their high safety, maneuverability, color purity, and low energy, superluminescent diodes have been widely used in dermatology. For example, blue light is commonly used to treat acne, yellow light is commonly used to treat melasma, red light can be used to treat androgenetic alopecia, and infrared light promotes skin repair.

SLED diodes can also be combined with multiband lights to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne and skin rejuvenation.

C.     SLD Diodes Applications in Gastroenterology:

Gastroenterology applications use superluminescent diodes as well. Various studies and research on SLEDs have found that it improves endoscopic imaging of the esophagus, stomach, bile ducts, pancreatic duct, and colon's superficial layers.

Furthermore, OCT imaging with a superluminous diode laser revealed anatomic structures such as crypts and glands, which could help endoscopists diagnose mucosal abnormalities like Barrett's esophagus.

D.    SLD Diodes Applications in Gynecology:

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an infectious disease of the female genitourinary tract that is a major public health concern due to its high incidence and recurrence rate. As a result, new therapeutic modalities with the ability to reduce drug side effects and disease recurrence are being sought.

Thankfully, blue superluminescent diodes have been shown to be effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in women.

E.     SLD Diodes Applications in Otolaryngology:

Superluminescent diodes can also be used to relieve nasal congestion in patients with turbinate dysfunction and control epistaxis in patients with telangiectasias.

The flexible fibre delivery system of the diode is compatible with hollow instruments, allows coaxial vision, and is ideal for intranasal use. Its portability and functional diversity set it apart from traditional carbon dioxide, argon, and other lasers.

Inphenix is a leading superluminescent diode manufacturer in the United States. In addition to superluminescent light emitting diodes, the company also manufactures O-band amplifiers, DFB Laser, Swept Source Lasers,  VCSELs and many more lasers and light sources.

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