Miniature spectrometer
First Claim
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1. A tissue spectroscopy device, comprising:
- a spectrometer having a distal window and including a light source for generating light and illuminating tissue with the generated light, and a plurality of light detectors for detecting optical properties of the illuminated tissue, the plurality of light detectors converting optical signals to electrical signals, said distal window providing optical access to the tissue for both the light source and the plurality of light detectors;
a substantially optically transparent tip at least partially encapsulating the spectrometer, a longitudinal cross section of the tip having two opposing sides which converge and define substantially an angle; and
an interventional device for delivering the spectrometer to tissue.
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Abstract
A miniaturized spectrometer is adapted for placement within a body near tissue to be characterized. The spectrometer includes a light source and a plurality of light detectors. The light source generates light to illuminate the tissue. The detectors detect optical signals from the illuminated tissue and convert these optical signals to electrical signals. The miniaturized spectrometer can be disposed at the distal end of an interventional device. Optical conduits, such as fiber optic cables or strands, extending the length of the interventional device are not required when the miniature spectrometer is employed.
254 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A tissue spectroscopy device, comprising:
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a spectrometer having a distal window and including a light source for generating light and illuminating tissue with the generated light, and a plurality of light detectors for detecting optical properties of the illuminated tissue, the plurality of light detectors converting optical signals to electrical signals, said distal window providing optical access to the tissue for both the light source and the plurality of light detectors;
a substantially optically transparent tip at least partially encapsulating the spectrometer, a longitudinal cross section of the tip having two opposing sides which converge and define substantially an angle; and
an interventional device for delivering the spectrometer to tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for characterizing tissue comprising the steps of:
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providing a tissue spectroscopy device comprising;
(i) a spectrometer having a distal window and including a light source and a plurality of light detectors for converting optical signals to electrical signals, (ii) a substantially optically transparent tip at least partially encapsulating the spectrometer, a longitudinal cross section of the tip having two opposing sides which converge and define substantially an angle for optimizing tissue contact and optical transmission, and (iii) an interventional device for delivering the spectrometer to tissue;
placing the spectrometer inside a body near tissue to be characterized;
connecting the light source and the plurality of light detectors to a power source;
passing light from the powered light source through the distal window of the spectrometer and the tip of the device to illuminate the tissue; and
passing light from the illuminated tissue through the same distal window of the spectrometer and the same tip of the device to the detectors for measuring an optical property of the illuminated tissue. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification