Photoacoustic Insert with Wavelength Conversion for Multi-Material Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoacoustic image generation apparatuses face challenges in evaluating multiple materials with different absorption wavelengths without requiring multiple light sources, leading to increased costs and difficulty in acquiring positional and environmental information of inserts like puncture needles.
Innovation Solution
A photoacoustic image generation apparatus and insert that utilize a light guide member and a light absorption/conversion member, which converts light of a first wavelength into a second wavelength, allowing for the generation of photoacoustic waves and enabling the evaluation of multiple materials with different absorption wavelengths using a single light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to evaluate multiple materials, then the evaluation capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light conversion member is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the multiple materials. This member converts the light from a single wavelength to multiple wavelengths, enabling the evaluation of multiple materials with different absorption characteristics using only one light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength parameter of light is changed by the light conversion member. By converting light from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, the system can selectively excite different materials based on their absorption spectra, achieving multi-material evaluation capability.
2Reliability
If a light guide member is inserted into the puncture needle, then the photoacoustic wave generation capability is improved, but the inflow path of blood becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is positioned specifically at the leading end portion of the puncture needle, concentrating the light emission function at the critical location where photoacoustic wave generation is needed, while minimizing the impact on the overall needle structure and blood inflow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide member is nested within the puncture needle structure, with the light guide member's outer diameter being smaller than the inner diameter of the puncture needle. This nested arrangement allows both components to coexist without significantly compromising the blood inflow path while enabling photoacoustic wave generation.
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 the evaluation of multiple materials with different absorption wavelengths near a puncture needle without the need for multiple light sources, reducing costs and improving the accuracy of positional and environmental information acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a light absorption/conversion member that absorbs the light with the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting portion, converts the light with the first wavelength into light with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a light absorption/conversion member that absorbs the light with the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting portion, converts the light with the first wavelength into light with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and generates photoacoustic waves with the conversion into the light with the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a photoacoustic image generation apparatus and an insert that can evaluate whether a plurality of materials with different absorption wavelengths are present in the vicinity of a puncture needle, without preparing a plurality of light sources. A puncture needle is at least partially inserted into a subject. An optical fiber guides light with a first wavelength. A light emitting portion emits the light guided by the optical fiber. A light absorption/conversion member absorbs the light with the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting portion and converts the light with the first wavelength into light with a second wavelength. In addition, the light absorption/conversion member generates photoacoustic waves with the conversion into the light with the second wavelength.