Real-Time Oxygen Imaging via Phosphorescence Quenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring dissolved oxygen concentration in biological fluids using phosphorescence quenching are unable to produce accurate real-time images, as they rely on combining measurements from multiple pulses and assume the system under observation does not change during the observation period.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for real-time imaging of dissolved oxygen concentration involving the use of an oxygen-quenched phosphorescent substance, where the sample is illuminated with pulses of light, and phosphorescence is detected at different times to generate images showing oxygen concentration variations over time, utilizing a light source, detector, processor, and display unit to produce successive images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurements from multiple successive pulses are combined to form a single image, then measurement precision is improved, but time delay increases and real-time monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple time gates (first time gate and second time gate) within each pulse cycle, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple measurements without requiring multiple complete pulse cycles. This segmentation of the detection window enables real-time imaging while maintaining precision through ratio calculation of signals from different gates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed excitation with multiple time-gated detections within each period, where the first and second time gates capture phosphorescence signals at different delay times. By using the ratio of these periodic measurements, the system achieves real-time oxygen concentration monitoring without the time delays associated with averaging multiple complete pulse cycles.
2Measurement precision
If measurements are taken over an extended observation period, then measurement precision is improved, but the assumption of system stability deteriorates for dynamic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static multi-pulse averaging to dynamic real-time measurement by implementing time-gated detection within single or few pulse cycles. The system dynamically adapts to changing oxygen concentrations by calculating ratios of phosphorescence signals from different time gates, enabling accurate measurement of dynamic systems without requiring the system to remain stable over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary timing and gating setup before measurement, defining first and second time gates with specific delay times and durations. This preliminary configuration allows the system to capture the necessary phosphorescence decay information within each pulse cycle, eliminating the need for extended observation periods and enabling real-time monitoring of dynamic systems.
3Measurement precision
If phosphorescence lifetime is measured using phase method with periodic pulsed light, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing information by measuring phosphorescence intensity at two specific time gates rather than performing full phase analysis across multiple cycles. This extraction of critical decay information simplifies the measurement system while maintaining the ability to determine oxygen concentration through ratio calculation, reducing device complexity compared to full phase modulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from phase angle detection to direct intensity ratio measurement at different time delays. By measuring intensities at first and second time gates and calculating their ratio, the system determines oxygen concentration without requiring complex phase analysis, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for dynamic systems.
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 generation of accurate, real-time images of oxygen concentration changes in biological fluids, allowing for the monitoring of dynamic systems without the need for delayed results, by determining oxygen concentration from the difference in phosphorescence detected at different times.
Implementation Method 1
dissolved oxygen in biological fluids can quench the phosphorescence of certain phosphorescent molecules exposed to the fluids
Implementation Method 2
Oxygen quenching reduces both the intensity and the phosphorescence lifetime or decay time of the phosphorescent light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of real-time imaging of dissolved oxygen concentration, comprising adding an oxygen-quenched phosphorescent composition to a sample, exciting phosphorescence in the composition by illuminating the sample with pulses of light, detecting phosphorescence intensity as a function of position in the sample at first and second times following exciting pulses of light, determining oxygen concentration from the phosphorescence detected at the first and second times, generating an image of the oxygen concentration as a function of position, and repeating the exciting, detecting, determining, and image generating steps to produce a series of images showing the oxygen concentration varying over time.