Optical Detection System Using Laser Speckle Temporal Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting microbes or impurities, such as microbe culture, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and optical methods, are time-consuming, require expensive equipment, and are complex, making them inaccessible to the general public.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system using a chaotic wave sensor that measures the temporal correlation of laser speckles to rapidly estimate the presence and concentration of impurities in a sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (microbe culture, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance) are used to detect microbes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical detection systems (mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance) with an optical detection system using laser speckle patterns. The system uses a simple laser source and camera to detect microbial presence through optical scattering effects, eliminating the need for expensive and complex equipment while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct microbial measurement to measurement of laser speckle pattern temporal correlation. By monitoring how speckle patterns change over time due to microbial movement and scattering, the system achieves microbe detection through a different physical parameter that requires simpler equipment
2Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used for microbe detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to long culture periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming biological culture methods with immediate optical detection. The laser speckle method provides real-time or near-real-time detection by measuring optical scattering properties, eliminating the days-long culture period required by traditional methods while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optical characterization of the sample environment by measuring speckle patterns before actual detection. The temporal correlation analysis of speckle patterns provides baseline information that enables rapid detection without requiring preliminary culture steps
3Measurement precision
If Raman spectrometry or multispectral imaging is used for optical microbe detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to complicated optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential optical detection capability needed for microbe detection, using a simple laser source and camera system. By removing unnecessary complex optical components (spectrometers, multiple wavelengths, complex imaging systems), the patent achieves microbe detection through temporal correlation of speckle patterns with minimal equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available optical components (laser pointer, digital camera) instead of expensive laboratory equipment. The system achieves professional-grade detection capability using consumer-grade components, making the technology accessible and eliminating the need for specialized laboratory infrastructure
4Measurement precision
If Raman spectrometry or multispectral imaging is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to lengthy measurement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming spectral analysis with rapid temporal correlation analysis of speckle patterns. By using a simple camera to capture sequential images and analyzing their temporal correlation, the system achieves fast detection without the lengthy acquisition and processing times required by Raman spectrometry or multispectral imaging
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
The system allows for real-time detection of impurities at a low cost by measuring variations in speckle patterns caused by microbial movement, providing rapid and accurate results.
Implementation Method 1
amplify the number of times a first wave, which is incident between the first cross-section and the second cross-section, is subjected to multiple scattering in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
detect a laser speckle generated by multiple scattering the irradiated first wave in the fluid
Data Source
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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.