Short-Pulse Laser Fluorescence Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting optical fluorescence signals, particularly from biological sources, are limited by signal absorption and scattering in tissues, restricting analysis to surface measurements or near-infrared spectral ranges with low autofluorescence, and suffer from technical complexity and tissue bleaching in multiphoton techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that time-expand electrical signals from optical measurements, using a short-pulse laser for excitation and a converter with a signal amplifier, allowing for real-time detection of low-intensity autofluorescence signals with reduced technical complexity and enabling analysis of chemical and physical processes without tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiphoton spectroscopy is used to excite autofluorescence in NIR range, then tissue penetration depth is improved, but tissue bleaching and molecular destruction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation mechanism from multiphoton absorption to single-photon absorption by using ultraviolet-C wavelength (254 nm) light source, which provides sufficient energy for direct excitation without requiring high peak power densities, thereby avoiding tissue bleaching while maintaining effective penetration
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using near-infrared light with low absorption and requiring multiphoton processes, the patent inverts the approach by using ultraviolet-C light with high absorption coefficients, enabling efficient single-photon excitation that avoids the harmful effects of multiphoton spectroscopy
2Measurement precision
If time-resolved fluorescence measurement with gate circuits is used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex time-resolved measurement electronics including gate circuits and sub-nanosecond timing devices, replacing them with a simplified detection system that uses the natural spectral properties of autofluorescence at 254 nm excitation wavelength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex time-resolved measurement electronics with simpler, more affordable detection components that achieve comparable or superior signal-to-noise ratios through spectral filtering rather than temporal gating
3Illumination intensity
If optical analysis is performed in visible spectral range, then autofluorescence signal intensity is improved, but light absorption and scattering in tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of searching for optimal visible wavelengths that penetrate tissue, the patent inverts the approach by using ultraviolet-C wavelength (254 nm) where tissue absorption is actually higher, but the excitation efficiency is so much greater that it compensates for the absorption losses, enabling detection through tissue
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
This approach enhances signal-to-noise ratio, allows for accurate detection of low-intensity autofluorescence signals in real-time, and simplifies the technology, enabling miniaturization and mobile analysis while avoiding tissue bleaching and complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
an optical excitation pulse is generated by a short-pulse laser
Implementation Method 2
a converter for converting the received optical measurement signal into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a signal amplifier
Implementation Method 4
detecting optical fluorescence radiation emitted by an object under investigation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device (1) for detecting optical radiation, such as autofluorescence or fluorescence corresponding to autofluorescence in intensity, of a substance absorbing within the parameters of an optical excitation pulse, comprising a device (3) for generating an excitation pulse and a device (5) for receiving an optical measurement signal from the substance absorbing within the parameters of the optical excitation pulse, is characterized in that the device for generating an optical excitation pulse is a short-pulse laser. A method for detecting optical radiation, such as autofluorescence or fluorescence corresponding to autofluorescence in intensity, of a substance absorbing within the parameters of an optical excitation pulse, is characterized in that the optical excitation pulse is generated by a short-pulse laser.