Interferometric Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System for Brain Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging and analysis technologies, particularly in the field of neuroimaging, face challenges in providing non-invasive, efficient, and accurate methods for monitoring brain tissue properties such as blood oxygen concentrations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an interferometric near-infrared spectroscopy (iNIRS) system that utilizes two light sources emitting wavelengths above and below the oximetry isosbestic wavelength, combined with an interferometric optical detector, to process combined light signals and determine imaging and analysis data for brain tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source is used for NIRS imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to determine blood oxygen concentrations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into two separate light sources, each operating at different wavelength ranges (one above and one below the oximetry isosbestic wavelength). This segmentation enables independent optimization of each wavelength range for specific measurements, improving blood oxygen concentration determination precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter by using two distinct light sources operating at different wavelength ranges relative to the oximetry isosbestic wavelength. This parameter change allows simultaneous measurement of multiple tissue properties (oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, total hemoglobin) with improved accuracy, as each wavelength range provides complementary information about tissue oxygenation
2Loss of information
If multiple wavelength ranges are used for imaging, then the information obtained about brain tissue is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical channels (reference channels and sample channels) into a integrated interferometric detection system. By combining the light paths and using a common interferometric detector, the system maintains comprehensive information about brain tissue properties while reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate detection systems for each wavelength range
Solution Approach 2:
The interferometric optical detector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects light from both wavelength ranges, performs interferometric measurement for both reference and sample channels, and enables determination of multiple tissue properties (oxygenation, blood flow, metabolism). This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by using a single detector system for all measurements
3Measurement precision
If interferometric detection with multiple light sources is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interferometric detection system as an intermediary mechanism that combines light from multiple sources and channels. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement of tissue properties by using interference patterns to extract information about oxygenation and blood flow, while the unified interferometric architecture keeps detector complexity manageable compared to multiple separate detection systems
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 enables simultaneous emission of light in two separate wavelength ranges, allowing for the determination of blood oxygen concentrations and other brain tissue properties with improved accuracy and non-invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The optical detector is arranged to combine the sample light with the reference light to provide combined light signals comprising one or more components at a beat frequency between sample light and reference light
Implementation Method 2
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a spectroscopic method which uses the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum... Radiation at NIRS wavelengths is less easily absorbed by human skin (and also bones) than visible light, and so NIRS radiation may penetrate both skin and skull
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure provides an interferometric near infrared spectroscopy, iNIRS, system comprising: a light emitting arrangement comprising: a first light source configured to provide wavelength-swept emission of light through a plurality of different wavelengths in a first wavelength range; a second light source configured to provide wavelength-swept emission of light through a plurality of different wavelengths in a second wavelength range different to the first wavelength range; a common sample delivery channel coupled to each of the first and second light sources to receive light therefrom and to deliver said light towards a subject; and one or more reference channels for receiving reference light from the first light source and/or the second light source; a light detecting arrangement comprising an interferometrie optical detector; wherein the optical detector is coupled to the one or more reference channels for receiving reference light from the first and second light sources; wherein the light detecting arrangement is arranged to be coupled to the subject for the optical detector to receive sample light from the first and second light sources, the sample light comprising light which travelled along the common sample delivery channel; wherein the optical detector is arranged to combine the sample light with the reference light to provide combined light signals comprising one or more components at a beat frequency between sample light and reference light; and wherein the iNIRS system is configured to process the combined light signals for providing imaging and analysis of the subject.