Guided Mode Resonance Filter Wheel for Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared spectroscopic imaging technologies face limitations such as slow scanning speed, cumbersome operation, inability to examine wet samples, and poor spatial resolution, which hinder their application in clinical and research settings, particularly in cancer diagnosis and tissue imaging.
Innovation Solution
The development of infrared spectrometers equipped with guided mode resonance filters that enable rapid, efficient, and high-resolution infrared spectroscopic imaging by using a filter wheel system to selectively reflect specific wavelengths, allowing for discrete frequency infrared spectroscopy and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging is used, then molecular selectivity and spatial specificity are achieved, but scanning speed is slow and operation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infrared spectrum into discrete wavelength bands using multiple narrowband interference filters, each tuned to a specific wavelength range. This allows parallel measurement of multiple spectral regions simultaneously, dramatically increasing scanning speed while simplifying operation compared to sequential FT-IR scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rapidly rotating filter wheel containing multiple narrowband interference filters to dynamically switch between different wavelength bands. This dynamic configuration enables fast spectral scanning at 10-100 times the speed of conventional FT-IR methods while maintaining operational simplicity through automated filter rotation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional infrared spectroscopy is used, then spectral information is obtained, but spatial resolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microscopic imaging capability with infrared spectroscopy by integrating a microscope objective with the filter wheel system. This combination enables simultaneous achievement of high spatial resolution (4-fold improvement) and high imaging speed (10-100 fold improvement) by capturing spectral information at multiple wavelengths across the entire field of view simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wet samples are examined using conventional infrared spectroscopy, then biological materials can be analyzed, but examination is not enabled due to water absorption interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific discrete wavelength bands that correspond to important molecular vibrational frequencies while avoiding wavelengths strongly absorbed by water. Each filter is tuned to a specific wavelength where the sample provides diagnostic information while water absorption is minimized, enabling reliable analysis of wet biological samples.
4Measurement precision
If expert operation and specialized equipment are required, then accurate spectroscopic data is obtained, but clinical application is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing an automated filter wheel system with computer-controlled rotation that automatically selects and switches between different wavelength bands without requiring expert manual intervention. The system performs spectral acquisition, processing, and analysis autonomously, maintaining high data accuracy while making the equipment accessible to clinicians without specialized training.
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 significantly enhances imaging speed by 10-100 fold, improves spatial resolution 4-fold, reduces costs 3-fold, and enables real-time pathology, making it compatible with clinical practice without requiring expert operation or specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
infrared spectrometers equipped with guided mode resonance filters that enable rapid, efficient, and high-resolution infrared spectroscopic imaging by using a filter wheel system to selectively reflect specific wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
using a filter wheel system to selectively reflect specific wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
devices and methods for obtaining infrared spectra and spectroscopic imaging data in the mid-infrared region
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are spectrometers comprising one or more wavelength-selective filters, such as guided mode resonance filters. Some of the spectrometers described herein are configured for obtaining absorbance spectra in a discrete fashion by measuring absorbances of a sample at multiple discrete wavelengths or wavelength bands. In another aspect, methods are also provided for obtaining spectra, images and chemical maps of samples in a discrete fashion.