Open-source, low-cost 3D-printable testbed for in-body optical wireless communications research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Communications
• 3D Printing Applications

Background:

• Conventional optical wireless communication (OWC) testbeds are often expensive and bulky.
• High costs and complex setups limit accessibility for many research institutions.
• Need for affordable, user-friendly hardware for in-body OWC research.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a cost-effective, 3D-printable experimental testbed for in-body OWC studies.
• Provide an accessible hardware solution for researchers with limited resources.
• Enhance reliability and ease of use in OWC experimental setups.

Main Methods:

• Designed and 3D-printed a compact, lightweight testbed with a vertically aligned optical path.
• Integrated ambient light shielding and secure component placement for near-infrared (NIR) LED and photodetector.
• Utilized ex-vivo tissue or tissue-mimicking phantoms for experimental validation.
• Made all design files (CAD, STL) and assembly instructions openly available.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printable testbed significantly reduces costs compared to traditional optical benches.
• The design facilitates rapid alignment and effective shielding from ambient light.
• Modular design allows customization for various sensor wavelengths and tissue models.
• Openly available design files promote wider adoption and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The proposed testbed offers a practical and accessible solution for in-body OWC research.
• Low-cost, easy-to-assemble hardware democratizes access to OWC experimentation.
• Improved experimental reliability and modularity benefit diverse research applications.
• Facilitates advancements in biomedical optical wireless communication.