Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing diseases using infrared imaging are limited by low energy per unit time in broadband infrared transmission, requiring high sensitivity instruments and refrigerants, which are costly and inefficient, and lack suitable coordination between quantum cascade lasers and imagers.
Innovation Solution
A tunable quantum cascade laser-based system for rapid collection of infrared microscopic data across discrete spectral increments, using a broad-band, coherent transmission source to detect infrared transmissions, reflections, and transflections from samples, with optional visible light detection and motion control for improved imaging and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If broadband infrared transmission is used for imaging, then spectral coverage is improved, but energy per unit time decreases requiring costly high sensitivity instruments and refrigerants
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband infrared spectrum is segmented into multiple discrete spectral increments, with each increment detected sequentially by the quantum cascade laser. This allows the system to achieve comprehensive spectral coverage while maintaining high energy per unit time at each specific wavelength, eliminating the need for costly broadband high sensitivity instruments and refrigerants.
Solution Approach 2:
The quantum cascade laser is tuned dynamically across different wavelengths to cover the broadband infrared spectrum. By adjusting the laser wavelength sequentially, the system achieves comprehensive spectral coverage while maintaining high energy concentration at each wavelength, avoiding the energy dilution problem of simultaneous broadband detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband infrared transmission with low energy per unit time is used, then spectral coverage is improved, but detection speed decreases requiring complex cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared spectrum is divided into discrete spectral increments that are detected sequentially. This segmentation allows rapid detection at each wavelength point while achieving comprehensive spectral coverage, significantly improving detection speed compared to traditional broadband methods requiring complex cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system with a quantum cascade laser-based detection system. The QCL's high energy per unit time at each wavelength enables rapid detection without the need for refrigerants and complex cooling infrastructure, thereby improving productivity while maintaining spectral coverage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If quantum cascade lasers are used for infrared imaging, then energy per unit time is improved, but coordination with imagers becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The quantum cascade laser wavelength is dynamically tuned in coordination with the imager's detection sequence. This dynamic coordination allows the system to maintain high energy per unit time while managing the complexity through synchronized operation, where the laser wavelength adjustment is coupled with the imager's scanning or detection pattern.
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 system enables efficient detection of abnormalities in tissue samples at ambient temperatures, reducing the need for cooling and associated costs, and accelerates data acquisition for medical diagnostics, improving the speed and applicability of infrared-based diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
using a broad-band, coherent transmission source to detect infrared transmissions, reflections, and transflections from samples
Implementation Method 2
tunable laser-based infrared imaging system
Implementation Method 3
The infrared transmissions, reflections, and/or transflections are transmitted through or reflected from a sample, and then magnified and/or focused prior to being detected by a detector
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for imaging tissue and other samples or samples using infrared (IR) transmissions from coherent transmission sources, such as a wide range, tunable, quantum cascade laser (QCL) designed for the rapid collection of infrared microscopic data for medical diagnostics across a wide range of discrete spectral increments. The infrared transmissions are transmitted through, reflected from, and/or transreflected through a sample, and then magnified and/or focused prior to being detected by a detector. After detection, the sample related image data is used to assess the sample. Such methods, devices, and systems may be used to detect abnormalities in tissue, for example, before such abnormalities can be diagnosed using art cytopathological methods. The methods, devices and systems may also optionally include a visible light detection subsystem and/or a motion control subsystem to assist in control and processing of imaging.