Optical Detection System Using Laser Speckle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microbes, such as microbe culture, mass spectrometry, and optical methods, are either time-consuming, require expensive equipment, or are complex and inaccessible to the general public.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system utilizing a chaotic wave sensor with a pipe unit featuring a multiple scattering amplification region and a controller to estimate impurity presence in real time by analyzing the temporal correlation of laser speckles generated by multiple scattering of light in a fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microbe culture method, mass spectrometry method, or nuclear magnetic resonance method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical detection systems (culture methods, mass spectrometry, NMR) with an optical detection system using laser speckle analysis. The wave source irradiates light through the sample, and the detector captures speckle patterns, substituting complex laboratory equipment with a simplified optical arrangement that maintains detection capability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the microbe presence through laser speckle patterns. Instead of directly measuring microbial properties with complex instruments, the system captures light scattering patterns that represent the sample's optical properties, enabling indirect but effective detection through simpler means
2Measurement precision
If Raman spectrometry or multispectral imaging method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical systems requiring professional knowledge (Raman spectrometry, multispectral imaging) with a simpler laser speckle detection system. The wave source and detector arrangement eliminates the need for complex spectral analysis equipment and specialized operational knowledge, making the system accessible to general users while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex optical systems. By focusing solely on laser speckle pattern analysis rather than full spectral characterization, the system removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the core capability to detect microbial presence accurately
3Measurement precision
If conventional microbe detection methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical interaction by irradiating the sample with a wave before formal detection begins. The laser speckle patterns are generated immediately upon wave irradiation, allowing real-time detection without waiting for culture growth or complex processing steps, thus eliminating time delays inherent in conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the time-consuming intermediate steps of conventional methods (culture incubation, sample preparation for mass spectrometry, NMR setup). The optical detection system rushes through to immediate results by capturing laser speckle patterns directly from the sample, achieving rapid detection while maintaining precision
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 and cost-effective detection of impurities or microbial concentrations using variations in temporal correlation of laser speckles, making it accessible for general use.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple scattering amplification region configured to amplify the number of times a first wave incident between the first cross section and the second cross section in a fluid located in the inner space is multiply scattered
Implementation Method 2
a detector arranged outside the pipe unit and configured to detect a laser speckle generated by multiple scattering of the irradiated first wave in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is an optical detection system for detecting a laser speckle generated by multiple scattering of a wave irradiated toward a sample from a wave source, and based on a change in the laser speckle over time, detecting the presence of microbes in the sample in real time.