Frequency-Domain Thermoacoustic Sensing Device
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoacoustic imaging technologies are limited by their complexity and inefficiency, requiring time-correlated frequency sweeps and cross-correlation detection, which hinder fast and economic sensing and imaging of regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
A device and method employing continuous electromagnetic or particle radiation with multiple distinct frequencies for steady-state detection of acoustic waves, allowing simultaneous generation and detection of acoustic waves at multiple frequencies, enabling faster and more economic thermoacoustic sensing and imaging without the need for time-domain correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-correlated frequency sweeps and cross-correlation detection are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency-domain detection capability from the time-domain correlation process. By using a detection unit that directly measures acoustic waves at multiple frequencies simultaneously and a processing unit that performs cross-correlation only in the frequency domain between the modulated radiation and detected signals, the system eliminates the need for complex time-domain correlation processing while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-domain correlation process with a frequency-domain mathematical approach. Instead of correlating signals over time, the system uses frequency components and cross-correlation in the frequency domain to extract thermoacoustic information, thereby reducing computational complexity and time requirements while preserving detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If time-correlated frequency sweeps are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously emitting modulated electromagnetic radiation and simultaneously detecting acoustic waves at multiple frequencies throughout the entire measurement process. This eliminates the need for sequential frequency sweeping and time-correlated processing, allowing all frequency components to be measured concurrently and reducing total measurement time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous action by maintaining continuous emission of modulated radiation and continuous detection of acoustic waves at multiple frequencies simultaneously. This continuous frequency-domain measurement approach replaces discontinuous time-domain correlation processes, enabling faster sensing and imaging without sacrificing measurement precision.
3Productivity
If continuous radiation with multiple frequencies is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single detection unit that simultaneously detects acoustic waves at multiple frequencies generated by continuous modulated radiation. The processing unit handles multiple frequency components and performs cross-correlation analysis for all frequencies concurrently, enabling parallel processing that increases productivity without requiring separate detection systems for each frequency.
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 facilitates faster and more economical thermoacoustic sensing and imaging, enabling practical applications in various fields by eliminating the need for time-domain correlation and allowing for real-time tracking of physiological and molecular properties.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoacoustic signal generation is based on the photoacoustic effect, according to which ultrasonic waves are generated due to absorption of electromagnetic radiation by an object
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic waves are generated due to absorption of electromagnetic radiation by an object, e.g. a biological tissue, and a subsequent thermoelastic expansion of the object
Implementation Method 3
a detection unit configured to simultaneously detect the acoustic waves exhibiting the second modulation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) and a corresponding method for thermoacoustic sensing, in particular thermoacoustic imaging, the device (100) comprising: a) an irradiation unit (10) configured to generate electromagnetic and/or particle energy exhibiting a first modulation, the first modulation comprising at least one frequency and to continuously emit the energy towards a target (1), whereby acoustic waves are continuously generated in the target, the acoustic waves exhibiting a second modulation, the second modulation comprising the at least one frequency and/or a harmonic frequency of the at least one frequency; b) a detection unit (20) configured to simultaneously detect the acoustic waves exhibiting the second modulation while the energy exhibiting the first modulation is being continuously emitted towards the target (1); and c) a processing unit (30) configured to determine at least one thermoacoustic value of an amplitude and/or a phase of the second modulation of the acoustic waves at the at least one frequency and/or at a harmonic frequency of the at least one frequency. The invention allows for fast and economic thermoacoustic sensing, in particular imaging of a region of interest of an object.