Microwave Upconverters for Deep-Tissue Light Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for generating light, particularly in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges, face limitations in depth of penetration in biological media and materials, restricting their application to surface-level reactions, and existing microcavity plasma devices are primarily used in discrete device applications due to their unitary connection by a common electrode.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method and system that uses upconverters, including gas-filled containers with ionizable gases, to generate light in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared range through microwave or radiofrequency radiation, allowing for the production of light within a medium or biological subject, enabling deeper penetration and broader applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is generated from electrical energy sources (incandescent lamps, gas discharge, LEDs), then light emission is achieved, but depth of penetration in biological media is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (e.g., upconverting nanoparticles, phosphors, or photosensitizers) that absorbs low-energy microwave or RF radiation and converts it to high-energy UV or visible light. This intermediary enables deep tissue penetration because microwaves and RF can penetrate biological media deeply, while the conversion to UV/visible light occurs locally within the tissue, overcoming the limitation of direct light generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameters of the electromagnetic radiation by converting from low-energy microwaves/RF to high-energy UV/visible light through intermediate conversion steps. This parameter transformation allows the system to leverage the deep penetration capability of low-energy radiation while achieving the high-energy effects of UV/visible light for photochemical reactions.
2Device complexity
If microcavity plasma devices are connected by a common electrode, then device structure is simplified, but application is restricted to discrete device applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plasma generation function into independent microcavities that can be distributed throughout the treatment volume. Each microcavity operates autonomously or semi-autonomously, allowing the system to transition from discrete device applications to continuous volumetric treatment. This segmentation enables flexible deployment in various geometries and applications while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface treatment (discrete devices) to three-dimensional volumetric treatment by distributing multiple microcavities throughout the target volume. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous treatment of large volumes while maintaining the structural simplicity of individual microcavity units.
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 the generation of light within a medium or biological subject, overcoming the limitations of depth penetration and expanding the applications of light-based processes beyond surface-level reactions, facilitating volumetric treatments and industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
uses upconverters, including gas-filled containers with ionizable gases, to generate light in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared range through microwave or radiofrequency radiation
Implementation Method 2
gas-filled containers with ionizable gases, to generate light
Implementation Method 3
allowing for the production of light within a medium or biological subject, enabling deeper penetration
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength λ1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.