Spectroscopic Signal Detection Laser Noise Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic signal detection during therapeutic laser procedures is hindered by the high intensity of aiming beams, which can overwhelm the signal of interest from the target, leading to a poor signal-to-noise ratio and interference in spectrometer analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a spectrometer, a light source emitter, an aiming light source emitter, and optical components such as filters and polarizers to attenuate or remove noise from the aiming beam, coupled with a controller to pulse the aiming light source and optimize signal collection, thereby improving signal detection quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an aiming beam is used to illuminate the target area, then spatial information and targeting accuracy are improved, but the high intensity of the aiming beam creates noise that overwhelms the spectroscopic signal from the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulsing of the aiming beam in synchronization with the spectrometer's signal collection cycles. The aiming beam is pulsed on during spatial positioning and off during spectroscopic signal collection, allowing the spectrometer to detect target signals without overwhelming noise from the continuous aiming beam illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signal path is segmented into multiple channels with different optical components. The system uses separate optical pathways for the aiming beam and the spectroscopic signal collection, with dichroic mirrors and beam splitters that direct different wavelengths to different detectors, allowing simultaneous operation of the aiming beam and spectrometer with minimal interference.
2Illumination intensity
If the aiming beam intensity is increased to improve visibility, then spatial information quality is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio for spectroscopic detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming beam operates in a pulsed periodic manner rather than continuously. During the 'on' phase, high intensity illumination provides excellent spatial visibility and targeting. During the 'off' phase, the spectrometer collects spectroscopic signals without interference. This temporal separation allows both high illumination intensity and high signal-to-noise ratio to be achieved at different times in the operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces optical filters and dichroic mirrors as intermediary components that selectively transmit or block specific wavelength ranges. These intermediaries allow the high-intensity aiming beam to illuminate the target while blocking its light from reaching the spectrometer, and simultaneously allow the weaker spectroscopic signals to pass through to the detector.
3Measurement precision
If optical components are added to filter out aiming beam noise, then signal detection quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components in the system serve multiple functions. The dichroic mirrors not only separate the aiming beam wavelength from the spectroscopic signal wavelengths but also act as beam directors and optical path couplers. The filters simultaneously reject aiming beam noise and transmit relevant spectroscopic signals. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed compared to a system with dedicated single-function elements for each task.
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
The system significantly enhances the quality of spectroscopic signals detected from targets by reducing interference from the aiming beam, allowing for more accurate characterization of targets during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical components used with a laser fiber such as a filter, a polarizer, a coated lens, or any similar components for attenuating or removing noise associated with the first signal and/or the second signal
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical components used with a laser fiber such as a filter, a polarizer, a coated lens, or any similar components for attenuating or removing noise
Data Source
AI summary
A system for spectroscopic signal detection can comprise a spectrometer, a light source emitter configurable to emit a first signal toward a target, and an aiming light source emitter configurable to emit a second signal having a visible spectrum toward the target. The system can include a first optical component such as a filter for attenuating or removing noise associated with the second signal from a third signal from the target back to the spectrometer.