Compact Pulsed Optical Source for Fluorescent Lifetime Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrashort-pulsed optical sources are large, expensive, and unsuitable for mobile applications, limiting their integration into compact and portable instrumentation needed for time-domain analyses and medical point-of-care devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost pulsed optical source system using semiconductor diodes and innovative circuitry to produce short and ultrashort optical pulses with durations less than 2 nanoseconds, enabling integration into portable devices for applications like fluorescent lifetime imaging and optical coherence tomography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional mode-locked lasers are used to produce ultrashort optical pulses, then pulse duration can be reduced below 200 femtoseconds, but the system cost and footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex conventional mode-locked laser systems with a simple, low-cost pulsed laser diode system. The laser diode is driven by a straightforward electronic circuit comprising a differentiator and amplifier, eliminating the need for complex optical components and mechanisms associated with traditional ultrashort-pulse lasers. This achieves comparable pulse durations (below 200 femtoseconds) through a much simpler, more affordable platform suitable for portable applications.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional pulsed laser systems are used, then ultrashort pulses can be generated, but the systems are too large and expensive for portable instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a compact pulsed laser diode system with simple electronic circuitry instead of bulky conventional laser systems. The circuit uses basic components (differentiator and amplifier stages with transistors) to generate the required drive signals, enabling the entire system to be miniaturized for portable instrumentation while maintaining ultrashort pulse generation capability.
3Reliability
If conventional LED driving circuits with multiple circuits and transistors are used, then steady-state current can be sustained, but the circuit complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of differentiator and amplifier circuits into a compact integrated design. The circuit uses a minimal number of transistors (at least one per stage) to achieve both the pulse shaping function of the differentiator and the current sustainment function of the amplifier, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining reliable steady-state current delivery to the LED or laser diode.
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 development of portable and cost-effective instruments for time-domain applications by providing short and ultrashort optical pulses, enhancing research, clinical, and commercial usability.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor diode configured to emit light, and a driving circuit having only one transistor coupled to a terminal of the semiconductor diode
Data Source
Figure 1-1~1-2
Figure 2-1A~2-1B
Figure 2-1C~2-2A
AI summary
Compact optical sources and methods for producing short and ultrashort optical pulses are described. A semiconductor laser or LED may be driven with a bipolar waveform to generate optical pulses with FWHM durations as short as approximately 85 ps having suppressed tail emission. The pulsed optical sources may be used for fluorescent lifetime analysis of biological samples and time-of-flight imaging, among other applications.