Methods of using Raman spectral information in determining analyte concentrations
View Patent ↗A non-invasive method of determining the concentration of an analyte uses Raman spectral information. A high-intensity, narrow band of light ( 10 ) is applied to one side ( 12 a ) of skin tissue ( 12 ). The high-intensity light ( 10 ) enters the skin tissue and generates a Raman signal ( 16 ). A reflective material ( 22 ) is placed in a location nearest the other side ( 12 b ) of skin tissue ( 12 ). The reflective material ( 22 ) is located generally opposite of the entry (A) of the applied high-intensity light ( 10 ). The high-intensity light ( 10 ) and the Raman signal ( 20 ) that pass through the skin tissue ( 12 ) are reflected back into the skin tissue ( 12 ) via the reflective material ( 22 ). The Raman signal ( 16,20 ) is collected and the analyte concentration is determined using the collected Raman signal ( 16,20 ).
1. A non-invasive method of determining the concentration of an analyte using Raman spectral information, the method comprising the acts of:
pinching an area of skin tissue;
placing a reflective material near or around the pinched skin tissue, the reflective material forming at least one opening therethrough;
applying a high-intensity, narrow band of light to the skin tissue through the at least one opening, the high-intensity light entering the pinched skin tissue and generating a Raman signal;
reflecting the high-intensity light and Raman signal that pass through the pinched skin tissue back into the pinched skin tissue via the reflective material;
collecting the Raman signal; and
determining the analyte concentration using the collected Raman signal, wherein the Raman signal is collected at a wavelength range of from about 300 to about 5000 nm.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reflective material forms a plurality of openings therethrough and the high-intensity light is applied through the plurality of openings.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Raman signal is collected via high NA (numerical aperture) optics or fiber(s).
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reflective material comprises aluminum.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Raman signal is collected at a wavelength range of from about 830 to about 1030 nm.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Raman signal is collected via high NA (numerical aperture) optics or fiber(s).
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the high-intensity light is applied from a monochromatic light source.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the high-intensity light is applied from a laser diode source.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reflective material comprises a gold-plated surface.
10. The method of claim 1 , further including a detector that assists in determining the analyte concentration, the detector being a silicon detector.
11. The method of claim 1 , further including a detector that assists in determining the analyte concentration, the detector being a germanium detector.
12. The method of claim 1 , further including a detector that assists in determining the analyte concentration, the detector being an InGaAs detector.
13. The method of claim 1 , further including a detector that assists in determining the analyte concentration, the detector being a lead sulfide detector.