Near-Infrared Laser Diode Array with Distributed Bragg Reflectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges in identifying counterfeit drugs due to the lack of efficient, non-destructive, and non-contact methods for screening, which can lead to substandard or harmful products entering the market, and existing methods often struggle with sensitivity and selectivity in non-invasive glucose monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The development of a measurement system utilizing near-infrared or short-wave infrared spectroscopy with a light source that includes semiconductor sources, multiplexers, and optical fibers to generate a modulated optical beam, combined with chemometrics and multivariate analysis for identification, and the use of super-continuum lasers for enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and non-invasive glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional screening methods are used for counterfeit drug identification, then the process is simpler and less complex, but the sensitivity and selectivity are insufficient leading to inability to detect counterfeit drugs effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into multiple functional modules: laser diode array for multi-wavelength illumination, spectrometer for spectral separation, detector for signal capture, and chemometric analysis for data processing. Each module performs a specific function, allowing high sensitivity detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces several intermediary components: optical fibers for light transmission between modules, spectrometer as an intermediary to separate wavelengths before detection, and chemometric algorithms as software intermediaries to process raw spectral data. These intermediaries enable sophisticated detection capabilities while isolating complexity from the core detection function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive glucose monitoring is attempted, then patient comfort is improved and invasive procedures are avoided, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to skin artifacts and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation of laser diode activation and employs time-resolved detection to capture spectral signals at specific time points. This periodic action allows separation of the glucose signal from static skin artifacts, improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining non-invasive measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple wavelengths (parameters) from different laser diodes to probe the tissue. By changing the wavelength parameter and analyzing spectral variations, the system can distinguish glucose-specific absorption patterns from skin artifacts, enabling accurate non-invasive glucose monitoring without physical trauma to the patient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser diodes with different wavelengths are used, then spectral coverage is improved for identifying different chemical compounds, but device complexity increases due to wavelength calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-calibration through reference measurements. A reference sample with known spectral characteristics is used to automatically calibrate each laser diode's wavelength and intensity. This self-service calibration approach enables multi-wavelength operation with broad spectral coverage while reducing the complexity of manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected spectral signals are compared against reference spectra, and the system automatically adjusts for wavelength drifts and intensity variations. This feedback-based calibration maintains spectral accuracy across multiple wavelengths without requiring complex manual intervention, enabling versatile chemical identification.
4Productivity
If rapid screening is implemented for pharmaceutical quality control, then productivity increases and detection speed improves, but measurement precision may be compromised due to reduced analysis time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing reference spectral libraries for various pharmaceutical compounds and pre-calibrating the optical system. During rapid screening, these pre-prepared resources enable quick comparison and identification without sacrificing accuracy. The chemometric models are pre-trained to rapidly analyze spectra, maintaining high identification accuracy while achieving fast screening speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual analysis with automated optoelectronic detection and computer-based chemometric analysis. The spectral measurements are captured rapidly by photodetectors, and chemical identification is performed automatically through algorithmic comparison with reference libraries, eliminating the trade-off between speed and precision that plagues manual methods.
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 rapid, non-destructive identification of counterfeit drugs and glucose monitoring by improving signal-to-noise ratios and reducing interference from skin artifacts, allowing for accurate chemical composition analysis through packaging and blood constituents without invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of laser diodes may include a distributed bragg reflector that reflects a selected wavelength to form a laser beam at a desired wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber may be pigtailed to the laser diode and the laser beam delivered through the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
Spectroscopy using near-infrared or short-wave infrared (SWIR) light may provide such a method, because most pharmaceuticals comprise organic compounds that have overtone or combination absorption bands in this wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A smart phone or tablet includes a first part having at least one laser diode configured to be pulsed, and a second part having at least one other laser diode, the laser diodes configured to generate near-infrared light, wherein at least some of the laser diodes comprise a distributed Bragg reflector, with some laser diode light directed to tissue including skin. An array of laser diodes generates near-infrared light and includes one or more distributed Bragg reflectors. An assembly in front of the array to forms light spots on the tissue. A first receiver includes detectors that receive light reflected from the tissue. An infrared camera generates data from light reflected from the tissue. The smart phone or tablet generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image or mapping using the infrared camera data, and includes a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a voice input module, and a speaker.