Spatially Modulated Continuous Wave Light for Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoacoustic spectroscopy devices face challenges in achieving precise measurements of localized physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration, due to light diffusion and scattering in tissue, which reduces the efficiency of light-to-ultrasound conversion.
Innovation Solution
A spatially modulated frequency-domain photoacoustic spectroscopy system that uses continuous wave light sources with linear frequency modulation and spatial light modulation to focus light on specific regions of interest, enhancing light absorption and reducing scattering, thereby improving measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional spectroscopy devices irradiate a wide array of blood vessels, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement precision of individual blood vessels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using spatial light modulation to create different optical paths for different regions of tissue. The wavefront modulation enables selective focusing of light on specific blood vessels while maintaining illumination of a broader area, allowing precise measurement of individual vessels without sacrificing overall coverage.
2Measurement precision
If light is focused on specific regions of interest, then the measurement precision is improved, but the light diffusion and scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavefront modulation that pre-compensates for tissue scattering by introducing opposite phase corrections. The spatial light modulator adjusts the optical wavefront to counteract the expected scattering effects, allowing focused light delivery to specific regions while minimizing the harmful effects of diffusion and scattering.
3Device complexity
If continuous wave light sources are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the frequency of continuous wave light sources in a linear fashion. This frequency modulation, combined with spatial wavefront modulation, enables precise measurement capabilities typically associated with more complex pulsed systems, while maintaining the simplicity of continuous wave operation.
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 allows for more precise and efficient measurement of vascular-specific physiological parameters, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling detailed 2D and 3D imaging of tissue sites, including individual blood vessels and microcirculatory structures.
Implementation Method 1
A spatially modulated frequency-domain photoacoustic spectroscopy system that uses continuous wave light sources with linear frequency modulation and spatial light modulation to focus light on specific regions of interest
Implementation Method 2
Light focusing continuous wave emission in photo-acoustic spectroscopy to analyze vascular network
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that use spatial modulation to focus continuous wave light into a localized region of interest such as an individual blood vessel. In certain embodiments, intensity modulation techniques, such as linear frequency modulation, are used in conjunction with spatial modulation to achieve more precise measurements through otherwise scattering medium. The focused beam of continuous wave light is capable of penetrating several centimeters of tissue to deliver measurements and images associated with individual blood vessels and other discrete vascular components.