Femtosecond Laser Spectroscopy for Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic methods for diagnosing diseases are limited by their inability to provide a full molecular fingerprint, lack of sensitivity, and insufficient signal-to-noise ratio, particularly when analyzing biological samples across all phases (gas, liquid, solid, and aerosol), and they often require invasive procedures and are not suitable for rapid or cost-effective screening.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic measuring apparatus utilizing a femtosecond laser source to generate broadband probe light pulses that interact with biological samples, allowing for spectrally resolved detection of the modified spectrum, which provides a specific molecular fingerprint with high sensitivity and rapid analysis capabilities, covering a wide mid-infrared spectral range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic methods are used, then the analysis can be performed with simple equipment, but the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient for detecting subtle spectral changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser excitation with periodic modulation to generate time-resolved spectral signals. The periodic pulsed action allows separation of signal from background noise through time-gated detection, significantly improving sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining manageable equipment complexity through standard pulsed laser technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses time-resolved detection where the detection parameters are dynamically adjusted based on the temporal characteristics of the spectral response. By varying detection timing and gating windows, the system optimizes sensitivity for different spectral features while managing overall system complexity through software-controlled dynamic adjustment.
2Loss of information
If conventional spectroscopic methods are used, then the equipment can be kept simple, but the ability to provide full molecular fingerprint across all sample phases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal spectroscopic platform that can analyze all sample phases (gas, liquid, solid, aerosol) using the same fundamental apparatus. The time-resolved spectral detection method is phase-independent, allowing comprehensive molecular fingerprinting across different states of matter without requiring multiple specialized instruments, thus reducing overall complexity while maximizing information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the time dimension to spectral analysis by measuring temporal evolution of spectral responses. This time-resolved dimension provides additional information about molecular processes and relaxation dynamics, completing the molecular fingerprint without requiring additional spatial or spectral dimensions that would increase apparatus complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional spectroscopic methods are used, then the analysis speed is limited, but the equipment complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed laser excitation with high repetition rates enables rapid sequential measurement of multiple spectral features. The periodic excitation allows time-multiplexed detection of different spectral components, dramatically increasing analysis speed while using standard pulsed laser technology that does not excessively increase system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces slow mechanical scanning methods with electronic time-resolved detection. By using electronic gating and time-correlated single photon counting, the system achieves rapid spectral acquisition without mechanical moving parts, increasing productivity while actually reducing mechanical complexity of the apparatus.
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
The apparatus achieves unparalleled sensitivity and speed in detecting subtle spectral changes indicative of diseases, enabling non-invasive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnosis across all sample phases, accessing the entire molecular fingerprint for comprehensive health status assessment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a spectral response of a biological sample, like absorption and/or reflection of probe light at the sample
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5B
AI summary
A method of measuring a spectral response of a biological sample (1), comprises the steps generation of probe light having a primary spectrum, irradiation of the sample (1) with the probe light, including an interaction of the probe light and the sample (1), and spectrally resolved detection of the probe light having a modified spectrum, which deviates from the primary spectrum as a result of the interaction of the probe light and the sample (1), said modified spectrum being characteristic of the spectral response of the sample (1), wherein the probe light comprises probe light pulses (2) being generated with a fs laser source device (10). Furthermore, a spectroscopic measuring apparatus is described, which is configured for measuring a spectral response of a biological sample (1).