Frequently Asked Questions
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General OptiBlox® Questions
We are able to tune the reduced scattering and absorption coefficients.
We focus on tuning the optical properties (reduced scattering and absorption coefficients) at an individual wavelength in the range of 500 nm – 1000 nm.
However, we can extend this range to 450 nm – 1200 nm. We can tune the phantom to both low and high scattering and absorption throughout this range.
If you need customized optical properties in the range of 1200nm- 2000nm, please reach out to us. We may be able to assist on a case-by-case basis.
Our standard range is 450 -950nm, our extended range is 450 – 1500 nm. These optical properties are collected in 5 nm steps. We can extend this range for an additional fee. This optical property data is provided to the customer in a spreadsheet.
We have some abilities to tune at multiple wavelengths. Reach out to discuss your needs.
We use our proprietary manufacturing processes to tune optical properties at the required wavelength(s).
Each material formulation is co-manufactured with a material sample card used to measure absolute reflectance and transmittance at 5 nm spacing. These measurements are used to determine the reduced scattering and absorption using inverse adding-doubling. The report provides the assumed anisotropy and IAD software version used.
It depends on the base material used in the manufacturing method. Our materials generally have a refractive index in the range of 1.5-1.6
This is an ideal use case for Q-X phantoms.
The minimum layer thickness is ~200 μm, and the minimum component dimensions are 1 mm. Reach out to let us know your desired design.
The minimum phantom thickness we manufacture is 1 mm, although we may be able to go thinner on a case-by-case basis.
It depends on the manufacturing method.
We are able to make phantoms with custom geometries such as anthropomorphic shapes.
The average lead time for custom phantoms is 2-4 weeks, but this can depend on the complexity of the custom phantom.
The cost of custom phantoms depends on the custom optical formulation, size of the custom phantom, surface finish requirements, and optical characterization. Phantoms with custom formulations usually start ~$2-7k which includes the custom formulation, manufacturing, surface finishing, and optical characterization of the manufactured material.
To provide a quote, we will need the targeted optical property values (reduced scattering and absorbance coefficients) and the wavelength you would like these to be achieved at.
We also need to know the overall dimensions (length x width x height) of the phantom.
OptiBlox® Q-T
These phantoms are stable under standard lab storage conditions and no need to refrigerate. QUEL’s solid phantoms eliminate common issues with liquid and gelatin phantoms: evaporation, sedimentation, and spoilage. We have data supporting multi-year optical property stability for the Q-T manufacturing method. Be sure to read our directions for use for more details.
Our standard products have specified optical properties at 785 nm, but we will provide you a report of the properties over a wider range. In general, F-01/02 have lower absorption, F-03/04 have higher absorption.
The report aims to provide traceable metrics based on absolute reflectance and transmittance at 5 nm spacing. These measurements are used to determine the reduced scattering and absorption using inverse adding-doubling. The report provides the assumed anisotropy and IAD software version used. Reports for standard Q-T OptiBlox are lot-specific.
Wipe with lint-free cloth or IPA; store at room temperature away from direct light — no humidity control or refrigeration required.
Yes — custom Q-T Q-X or Q-P phantoms available to order and generally have a 2–4 week lead time.
OptiBlox® Q-X
Up to six distinct optical property formulations per phantom, each spatially defined; more than six possible for specific applications. Model voxel sizes are approximately 50 µm3.
Yes — CAD models, mesh files from imaging data, or anatomically derived geometries can be evaluated for manufacturability.
Each material formulation is co-manufactured with a material sample card used to measure absolute reflectance and transmittance at 5 nm spacing. These measurements are used to determine the reduced scattering and absorption using inverse adding-doubling. The report provides the assumed anisotropy and IAD software version used.
2–4 weeks from order confirmation; varies with design complexity.
While the fluorophore cannot be directly incorporated, we would be happy to discuss design options.
Yes — repeat orders fulfilled with lot-tracked consistency; inter-lot comparison data available on request.
Both are shelf stable. Q-X is a newer technology so long-term data is limited. The co-manufactured sample is kept on file and can be re-measured on a regular long-term basis for a small reoccurring fee.
OptiBlox® Q-S
Formulated to approximate specific soft tissue types qualitatively and semi-quantitatively — not a certified biomechanical standard, but sufficient to make contact-dependent effects visible on the bench.
Yes — both are independently tunable within the available formulation space; practical limits exist at extremes.
Each material formulation is co-manufactured with a material sample card used to measure absolute reflectance and transmittance at 5 nm spacing. These measurements are used to determine the reduced scattering and absorption using inverse adding-doubling. The report provides the assumed anisotropy and IAD software version used.
These phantoms are stable under standard lab storage conditions and no need to refrigerate. QUEL’s solid phantoms eliminate common issues with liquid and gelatin phantoms: evaporation, sedimentation, and spoilage. The co-manufactured sample is kept on file and can be re-measured on a regular long-term basis for a small recuring fee.
Fluorescence Reference Targets
Quantitative kit adds the Radiometric Emitter Target, enabling absolute radiometric benchmarking and cross-system comparison.
Tissues are not clear, they absorb and scatter light, so we represent this in our phantoms and reference targets. This is important to better understand how your imaging system will perform in realistic scenarios.
Target designs directly implement TG311 recommended measurement benchmarks — such as concentration sensitivity, depth sensitivity, spatial resolution, and radiometric sensitivity, depth of field, and more. QUEL-QAL was also designed to support reporting these metrics.
Guidance frames imaging system performance characterization as part of the drug development evidentiary package; QUEL’s kits provide the standardized test objects to build that documentation.
Yes — all four target types are available individually across all three fluorophore channels.
They are shelf stable in standard storage conditions. Read the directions for use before opening your reference targets. Extended exposure to high-intensity illumination will cause photobleaching.
Our python library, QUEL-QAL is available on GitHub. It is an open-source, auditable, and available under a modified AGPL3.0 license.
ICG-01 targets are suitable for ICG. Q800-01 targets are suitable for CYTALUX® and IRDye® 800CW. Q700-01 targets are suitable for SGM-101 and similar Cy5.5 based probes. We are actively developing targets for additional fluorophores with clinical utility.
Yes! We typically begin with a consultation, followed by a feasibility assessment and a quote for target development and prototyping.
FluoFlow®
Integrated adaptors are compatible with standard Luer lock fluidic connections on standard laboratory peristaltic or syringe pump systems; we do not provide pumps for use with FluoFlow®.
We generally recommend aqueous fluorescent solution at concentrations relevant to your imaging system’s detection range. This is often under 5uM concentrations, but depends on the fluorophore. Pair with our fluorescence reference targets to establish your system’s concentration sensitivity first.
Yes — please see our cleaning protocol.
Please contact us if this is your intention. Our cleaning protocols do not account for blood. The phantom can be customized to use sacrificial tubing.
Each material formulation is co-manufactured with a material sample card used to measure absolute reflectance and transmittance at 5 nm spacing. These measurements are used to determine the reduced scattering and absorption using inverse adding-doubling. The report provides the assumed anisotropy and IAD software version used.
Custom-manufactured; pricing based on design complexity; most designs delivered within 3–5 weeks of order confirmation.
Possible for some applications where multi-material phantoms with fluidic channels are needed — evaluated case-by-case during design consultation.
Services
Yes, we can support your teams’ efforts through regulatory approval (i.e. 510(k), De Novo, PMA, Q-Sub, IDE). We can act as an independent third-party to provide subject matter expertise related to light-tissue interactions, fluorescence imaging and optical characterization.
Yes — this is a primary entry point for QUEL regulatory consulting; we draft technically credible responses grounded in NIRF measurement science.
Mutual NDA prior to any exchange of confidential information; client regulatory strategies and documents are not shared across engagements.
Proposal-based, scoped to specific deliverables and timeline; no standard menu pricing due to scope variability.
Yes — regulatory pathway determination, device classification, and predicate identification are foundational early-stage services that we offer support for.
