Optical Clinical Thermometer Using Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical thermometers for non-invasive subcutaneous temperature measurement are limited by the need for good thermal contact or complex, expensive devices that rely on low-power thermal radiation, which restricts spatial resolution and practicality.
Innovation Solution
An optical clinical thermometer using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy to measure subcutaneous temperature without contact, by directing probe light to entry regions and collecting scattered light from spatially offset collection regions, analyzing Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectral features to determine temperature profiles at various depths within the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microwave radiometry is used for non-invasive thermometry, then contactless temperature measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to extremely low power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microwave radiometry with optical Raman spectroscopy. Instead of detecting low-power microwave radiation, the system uses optical light sources and detectors to measure Raman scattering from tissue, substituting an optical system for the microwave-based mechanical/electrical system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining non-invasive capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from microwave radiation detection to optical Raman scattering detection. By using visible or near-infrared light and detecting Raman-shifted photons, the system operates at higher power levels with simpler, more成熟的 optical components compared to sensitive microwave detection
2Ease of operation
If microwave radiometry is used, then non-invasive measurement is possible, but spatial resolution is limited due to centimetre wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes microwave radiation with optical radiation for temperature measurement. The optical wavelength range (visible to near-infrared) provides much finer spatial resolution compared to centimetre-scale microwave wavelengths, enabling precise localization of temperature measurements in subcutaneous tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial offset between light entry and collection regions as a new dimension for controlling measurement depth. By varying the offset distance, the system can selectively probe different depths within tissue, adding depth resolution to the spatial measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If thermal contact is provided for temperature measurement, then accurate temperature reading is achieved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal contact measurement with optical Raman scattering measurement. Instead of physically contacting the tissue with a thermometer, the system uses penetrating light to induce Raman scattering and detect temperature through spectral analysis, eliminating the need for thermal contact while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the measurement device and the tissue. The optical photons interact with molecular vibrations in the tissue to produce Raman scattering, which carries temperature information back to the detector, serving as a non-contact mediator for temperature measurement
4Loss of information
If spatially offset Raman spectroscopy is used, then depth information is obtained, but device complexity increases compared to surface measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spatial offset between entry and collection regions as an additional dimension to encode depth information. By measuring Raman scattering at multiple offset distances, the system reconstructs depth-resolved temperature profiles without requiring complex three-dimensional scanning mechanisms, adding depth capability through a relatively simple geometric parameter
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-invasive, accurate measurement of subcutaneous temperature profiles with improved spatial resolution and depth information, suitable for clinical use and various applications, including thermal therapy control.
Implementation Method 1
collecting probe light from a collection region on the surface, following scattering within the subsurface volume of the sample
Implementation Method 2
detecting one or more Raman spectral features in the collected probe light
Implementation Method 3
The temperature can be determined by noting that corresponding Stokes and anti Stokes Raman band intensities vary differently with temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a clinical thermometer for non-invasive measurement of sub-cutaneous temperature of tissue of a human or animal subject. Probe light is collected from a collection region spatially offset from an entry region on a visible surface of the subject, following scattering within the tissue, and a temperature of the tissue is determined from Raman spectral features in the collected light.