Simultaneous Fluorescence and Raman Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as endoscopes, face limitations in simultaneously detecting multiple biomarkers due to the wide bandwidth of fluorescence spectra and the weakness of Raman signals, which are often interfered with by autofluorescence, making it difficult to achieve accurate and efficient in-vivo disease diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for simultaneously detecting fluorescence and Raman signals using marker particles that include Raman marker particles and fluorescence dyes, which are designed to emit signals in separate wavelength ranges, allowing for the separation and detection of these signals using an optical fiber bundle and light separator, enabling accurate localization and typing of targets within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging technology is used to detect multiple biomarkers, then detection sensitivity is improved, but signal separation becomes difficult due to wide bandwidth of fluorescence spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using a beam splitter to divide the optical signal path into two separate paths: one for detecting fluorescence signals and another for detecting Raman signals. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of both signal types without interference, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and signal separation complexity.
2Measurement precision
If Raman spectrometry is used for multiple target detection, then measurement precision is improved, but detection capability deteriorates due to weak Raman signals interfered with by autofluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signals using a beam splitter to separate Raman signals from autofluorescence background. By directing Raman signals through a dedicated detection path with appropriate filtering, the system enhances Raman signal detection capability while maintaining multiple target detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system including beam splitters, filters, and optical fibers that mediate between the sample and detectors. This intermediary system selectively transmits Raman signals while blocking autofluorescence, resolving the detection difficulty without compromising measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If separate detection systems for fluorescence and Raman signals are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of the detection system into distinct fluorescence and Raman detection paths using a beam splitter. While this creates separate detection channels, the shared optical fiber bundle and coordinated control system minimize overall complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for both signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an optical fiber bundle that serves multiple functions: transmitting excitation light to the sample and collecting both fluorescence and Raman signals. This multi-functional component reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate optical paths for excitation and collection, while still achieving precise simultaneous detection of both signal types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for real-time, accurate diagnosis of multiple targets by separating fluorescence and Raman signals, reducing interference and enhancing the detection of weak Raman signals, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of in-vivo disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
each marker particle may be adapted to simultaneously generate fluorescence signals in a first wavelength range and Raman signals in a second wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
Raman signals in a second wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
an optical fiber bundle configured to guide a laser light onto the test structure and collect optical signals
Implementation Method 4
separating the optical signal into a first optical path containing the fluorescence signals in the first wavelength range and a second optical path containing the Raman signals in the second wavelength range
Implementation Method 5
a fluorescence signal detector configured to detect the fluorescence signals in the first optical path
Implementation Method 6
a Raman signal detector configured to detect the Raman signals in the second optical path
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method for simultaneously detecting fluorescence and Raman signals for multiple fluorescence and Raman signal targets, and a medical imaging device for simultaneously detecting multiple targets using the method. The method includes: injecting at least one marker particle comprising Raman markers and receptors into the body of an animal, which can be a human; irradiating a laser beam onto the body of the animal; and detecting the optical signals emitted by the marker particle after the irradiation of the laser beam separately as fluorescence signals and Raman signals. The simultaneous detection of multiple targets may be performed even without scanning optical signals emitted by the marker particle individually with different optical fibers. As an examination may be performed by injecting surface-enhanced Raman marker particles, weak Raman signals may be augmented so as to obtain a more accurate diagnosis result in real time.