3D Molecular Imaging via Homogenized Coherent Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography and photoacoustic tomography, are limited by shallow imaging depth, provide only morphological information, and use high-power ionizing radiation that can degrade samples and pose health risks, especially in bio-imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for three-dimensional molecular imaging using homogenized monochromatic coherent light, which illuminates samples at multiple points with low power density to collect scattered light from all angles, allowing for deeper penetration and chemical information retrieval without sample degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high-power light is used for irradiation of the sample, then imaging depth is improved, but sample degradation occurs due to local heating
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple low-power illumination steps rather than a single high-power exposure. The system collects scattered light at multiple angles and planes, processing each segment separately to reconstruct the final 3D image, thereby avoiding thermal damage while achieving sufficient imaging depth
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous low-power illumination with sequential scanning through multiple angles and planes. This continuous action at low power density maintains adequate signal collection for deep tissue imaging without causing the intermittent high-power heating that leads to sample degradation
2Loss of information
If conventional optical imaging techniques are used, then morphological information is obtained, but chemical information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures both morphological information through standard scattered light detection and chemical information through Raman spectroscopy. The same optical path and detection system are used for both imaging modes, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges conventional optical imaging with Raman spectroscopy into a single integrated platform. By combining the scattered light collection path with Raman signal detection, the system simultaneously obtains structural and chemical information from the same sample region without requiring separate measurement systems
3Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation is used for imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but health risks increase for in vivo imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces ionizing radiation (X-rays) with non-ionizing coherent light (laser) for tissue imaging. This substitution maintains the ability to obtain high-quality images through coherent scattering and Raman effects while eliminating the harmful ionizing effects that pose health risks in in vivo applications
4Length of stationary object
If light of high power is used, then penetration depth is improved, but local heating occurs leading to sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple partial illumination actions at low power density rather than a single excessive high-power exposure. By scanning through multiple angles and planes with low-power coherent light, the system accumulates sufficient signal for deep tissue imaging while keeping the power density at each location below the threshold for thermal damage
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
Enables non-degradable, deep-tissue imaging that provides both morphological and chemical information, reducing sample damage and health risks, with the ability to image samples up to 60-90 mm depth, suitable for bio-applications like cancer detection and hazardous chemical identification.
Implementation Method 1
collecting the molecular scattered light from all angles and planes
Implementation Method 2
homogenizing a monochromatic coherent light source; irradiating the sample at plurality of points along all planes with the homogenized monochromatic light
Data Source
AI summary
The method includes homogenizing a monochromatic coherent light source, irradiating the sample at plurality of points along all planes with the homogenized monochromatic light, collecting the molecular scattered light from all angles and planes to obtain a plurality of profile, resolving the plurality of profiles to obtain a molecular intensity maps, and reconstituting the intensity maps to obtain a three dimensional image of the sample. The system described is capable of obtaining molecular specific 3D morphology and profile of samples. The system described is capable of differentiating different chemicals or sample distribution throughout the 3D volume.