Raman based detection instrument and method of detection
Inventors
Auner, Gregory William • Shanley, Charles • Brusatori, Michelle • Twomey, Tara • Sant, David
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11236379-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.
Core Innovation
The document describes a portable Raman spectroscopic system for point-of-care detection that uses an excitation light source to radiate coherent light onto a sample, and a collector to collect a Raman signal. The collected Raman signal is collimated and dispersed, and the dispersed collimated Raman signal is directed to an optical filter that includes a plurality of micro-filters arranged co-planarly and spatially adjacent to each other, where each micro-filter transmits a different spectral band of the collimated Raman signal.
An imaging sensor array comprising a plurality of detection areas separately detects each of a plurality of different spectral bands transmitted from each micro-filter. The system architecture is presented as supporting portable point-of-care use, including discrete-band handling and an imaging detector array configuration that captures band-specific Raman information for subsequent analysis.
The document also presents Raman-based analysis for distinguishing an active pathogen from an inactivated pathogen by analyzing a Raman peak spectral shift indicative of a change in activity, in addition to analyzing for the presence of a pathogen. This analysis is performed using Raman based spectroscopic analysis that radiates coherent light onto a sample, collects and processes a Raman signal, filters and detects multiple spectral bands with an imaging sensor array, and then identifies a Raman peak spectral shift indicative of pathogen activity change.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent claims. Across these claims, the coverage centers on an optical filter architecture using co-planar spatially adjacent micro-filters that each transmit different Raman spectral bands, imaging sensor array detection across separately detected bands, Raman peak spectral shift analysis to indicate pathogen activity change, and manufacture of a graded InAlN optical filter with a specified band gap.
Co-planar spatially adjacent micro-filters transmitting different Raman spectral bands with imaging sensor array band detection
A Raman spectroscopic system comprising: an excitation light source; a collector; a beam collimator; an optical filter having a plurality of micro-filters arranged co-planarly and spatially adjacent, each configured to transmit a different spectral band of the collimated Raman signal; a dispersive element to disperse the collimated Raman signal and direct the dispersed collimated Raman signal to the optical filter; and an imaging sensor array having a plurality of detection areas to separately detect each different spectral band transmitted from each micro-filter.
Raman peak spectral shift indicative of pathogen activity change
A method for distinguishing an active pathogen from an inactivated pathogen using Raman based spectroscopic analysis, comprising radiating coherent light onto a sample; collecting a Raman signal; collimating the Raman signal; dispersing the collimated Raman signal; directing the dispersed Raman signal to an optical filter; detecting the filtered Raman signal by an imaging sensor array with detection areas to separately detect each of a plurality of different spectral bands; analyzing the Raman signal for presence of a pathogen; and analyzing the Raman signal for a Raman peak spectral shift indicative of a change in activity of the pathogen.
Graded InAlN optical filter formed by changing Indium depositing rate during hollow cathode-based low energy plasma deposition
A method of making a graded optical filter comprising depositing an Indium Aluminum Nitride (InAlN) alloy coating on a substrate by hollow cathode-based low energy plasma deposition; sliding the substrate during the deposition; and changing Indium depositing rate to coordinate with sliding of the substrate to create a graded InAlN coating having a band gap between 1 eV and 6 eV.
Overall claim coverage is anchored by an imaging-sensor-array Raman system architecture using co-planar spatially adjacent micro-filters that transmit distinct spectral bands, Raman-based analysis that distinguishes active from inactivated pathogen by detecting a Raman peak spectral shift indicative of activity change, and a manufacture method for a graded InAlN optical filter formed by changing Indium depositing rate during hollow cathode-based low energy plasma deposition to achieve a specified band gap.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Point-of-care detection of protein-based targets using a portable/hand-held micro-Raman system, including Raman-based detection of MRSA and influenza.
Distinguishing an active pathogen from an inactivated pathogen using Raman peak spectral shift indicative of a change in activity.
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