WO2015136744A1 - Dispositif de diagnostic d'air expiré - Google Patents

Dispositif de diagnostic d'air expiré Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015136744A1
WO2015136744A1 PCT/JP2014/073719 JP2014073719W WO2015136744A1 WO 2015136744 A1 WO2015136744 A1 WO 2015136744A1 JP 2014073719 W JP2014073719 W JP 2014073719W WO 2015136744 A1 WO2015136744 A1 WO 2015136744A1
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Prior art keywords
light
substance
wavelength
space
sample gas
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PCT/JP2014/073719
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
陽 前川
茂行 高木
努 角野
康友 塩見
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株式会社 東芝
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Publication of WO2015136744A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015136744A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/359—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • G01N21/03—Cuvette constructions
    • G01N21/031—Multipass arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • G01N21/03—Cuvette constructions
    • G01N21/05—Flow-through cuvettes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3504—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/314—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry with comparison of measurements at specific and non-specific wavelengths
    • G01N2021/317—Special constructive features

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a breath diagnostic device.
  • the gas of breath is measured.
  • the measurement results facilitate disease prevention and early detection.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a high precision breath diagnostic device.
  • a breath diagnostic apparatus includes a cell unit, a light source unit, a detection unit, and a control unit.
  • the cell part includes a space.
  • a sample gas containing exhalation containing a first substance and a second substance different from the first substance is introduced into the space.
  • the light source unit causes the first light of a first wavelength between a plurality of light absorption peaks of the first substance and the second light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength to enter the space.
  • the detection unit detects the intensity of the first light having passed through the space into which the sample gas has been introduced, and the intensity of the second light having passed through the space into which the sample gas has been introduced.
  • the control unit calculates the concentration of the second substance in the sample gas based on the intensity of the first light and the intensity of the second light.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a breath diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment; It is a graph which illustrates the characteristic of the substance contained in sample gas.
  • FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are graphs illustrating the characteristics of the substance contained in the sample gas.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a part of the breath diagnosis apparatus according to the first embodiment;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a part of the breath diagnosis apparatus according to the first embodiment;
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views exemplifying a part of the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C are schematic views illustrating a part of the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • It is a schematic diagram which illustrates another breath diagnostic device concerning a 2nd embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • the breath diagnostic apparatus 110 includes a cell unit 20, a light source unit 30, a detection unit 40, and a control unit 45.
  • the sample gas 50 including the breath 50a is introduced into the cell unit 20.
  • the cell unit 20 includes a space 23s.
  • the sample gas 50 including the breath 50a is introduced into the space 23s.
  • the exhalation 50a is exhalation of an animal including, for example, a human.
  • the exhalation 50 a contains the first substance 51 and the second substance 52.
  • the first substance 51 is, for example, water.
  • the second substance 52 is, for example, acetone.
  • the second substance 52 is a substance related to the purpose of diagnosis in the breath diagnostic apparatus 110. For example, when suffering from diabetes, the concentration of acetone in the exhaled breath 50a is increased as compared to when in health. In the breath diagnostic apparatus 110, the health condition is diagnosed by measuring the concentration of a substance (for example, acetone or the like). An example of the second substance 52 will be described later.
  • the first substance 51 is a substance different from the second substance 52 contained in the breath 50a.
  • the light source unit 30 causes the first light L1 of the first wavelength and the second light L2 of the second wavelength to enter the space 23s.
  • the second wavelength is different from the first wavelength. These lights correspond to the measurement light 30L.
  • the first wavelength is a wavelength between a plurality of light absorption peaks of the first substance 51 (for example, water).
  • the first substance 51 has high light absorption at a plurality of wavelengths. That is, there are a plurality of wavelengths (peak wavelengths) corresponding to the peak (maximum value) of light absorption.
  • the first wavelength is not a peak wavelength but a wavelength between a plurality of peak wavelengths.
  • the first wavelength may be, for example, a wavelength corresponding to the bottom of the absorption.
  • the light source unit 30 includes a light emitting unit 30 a and a driving unit 30 b.
  • the driving unit 30 b is electrically connected to the light emitting unit 30 a.
  • the driving unit 30 b supplies power for light emission to the light emitting unit 30 a.
  • an external resonator (EC) type quantum cascade laser (QCL) is used as the light emitting unit 30a.
  • EC external resonator
  • QCL quantum cascade laser
  • the detection unit 40 detects the intensity (first intensity) of the first light L1 that has passed through the space 23s into which the sample gas 50 is introduced.
  • the detection unit 40 detects the intensity (second intensity) of the second light L2 that has passed through the space 23s into which the sample gas 50 is introduced.
  • the control unit 45 controls the second substance 52 in the sample gas 50 based on the first intensity (the intensity of the first light L1) and the second intensity (the intensity of the second light L2) detected by the detection unit 40. Calculate the concentration. An example of the operation of the control unit 45 will be described later.
  • a supply unit 10i and a discharge unit 10o are further provided.
  • the sample gas 50 is supplied to the supply unit 10i.
  • the sample gas 50 introduced from the supply unit 10i is introduced into the cell unit 20 through the first pipe 15a.
  • the first pipe 15 a is provided between the supply unit 10 i and the cell unit 20.
  • the sample gas 50 introduced into the cell unit 20 reaches the discharge unit 10 o through the second pipe 15 b.
  • the sample gas 50 is discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 10o.
  • a fan may be provided in the discharge unit 10o. Exhaust efficiency is improved.
  • the cell unit 20 includes a first reflection unit 21 and a second reflection unit 22.
  • the first reflecting portion 21 and the second reflecting portion 22 are reflective to the measurement light 30L.
  • the sample gas 50 introduced from the supply unit 10i is introduced into the space 23s between the first reflection unit 21 and the second reflection unit 22.
  • the cell unit 20 further includes, for example, the cell 23.
  • the cell 23 forms a space 23s. At least a part of the space 23 s is disposed between the first reflecting portion 21 and the second reflecting portion 22.
  • the measurement light 30L (the first light L1 and the second light L2) is reflected by the first reflection portion 21 and the second reflection portion 22 to form a space between the first reflection portion 21 and the second reflection portion 22 (space 23s). ) Reciprocate several times. A part of the measurement light 30L is absorbed by the substances (the first substance 51 and the second substance 52) contained in the sample gas 50. The component of the wavelength specific to the substance in the measurement light 30L is absorbed. The degree of absorption depends on the concentration of the substance.
  • the detection unit 40 detects, for example, the measurement light 30L that has passed through the space 23s in a state where the sample gas 50 is introduced into the space 23s.
  • the detection unit 40 an element having sensitivity in the infrared region is used.
  • a thermopile or a semiconductor element for example, MCT (HgCdTe) or the like is used for the detection unit 40.
  • the detection unit 40 is optional.
  • a housing 10 w is further provided.
  • the cell unit 20, the light source unit 30, the detection unit 40, the first pipe 15a and the second pipe 15b are stored in the housing 10w.
  • the first optical component 36 a is provided between the light source unit 30 and the cell unit 20 on the light path of the measurement light 30 ⁇ / b> L.
  • a second optical component 36 b is provided between the cell unit 20 and the detection unit 40 on the optical path.
  • These optical components include, for example, focusing optics.
  • a filter may be used for these optical components.
  • An optical switch may be used for these optical components.
  • the optical components may be provided or omitted as necessary.
  • the breath diagnostic apparatus 110 is provided with the cell unit 20 including the space 23s into which the sample gas 50 is introduced, and the light source unit 30 that emits the measurement light 30L.
  • the detection unit 40 detects the measurement light 30L that has passed through the space 23s into which the sample gas 50 has been introduced, and detects the light intensity (first and second intensities).
  • the absorption of the measurement light 30L by the substances (the first substance 51 and the second substance 52) contained in the breath 50a is measured. Thereby, the concentration of the substance contained in the breath 50a is measured.
  • FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the characteristics of the substance contained in the sample gas.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the absorption spectrum of water (first absorption spectrum 51s) and the absorption spectrum of acetone (second absorption spectrum 52s). Water is an example of the first substance 51. Acetone is an example of the second substance 52.
  • the horizontal axis is the wavelength ⁇ ( ⁇ m: micrometer).
  • the vertical axis is the absorption rate Ab.
  • the absorptivity Ab is substantially 0% in a region where the wavelength ⁇ is about 7.6 ⁇ m to less than 8.06 ⁇ m.
  • the absorptivity Ab is 1% or more in a region where the wavelength ⁇ is about 7.15 ⁇ m or more and about 7.5 ⁇ m or less and in a region where the wavelength ⁇ is 8.06 ⁇ m or more and 8.45 ⁇ m or less .
  • the concentration of acetone when light having a wavelength in the range of about 7.6 ⁇ m to less than 8.06 ⁇ m is used.
  • the absorptivity Ab changes in accordance with the concentration of acetone.
  • a wavelength of 8.06 ⁇ m or more and 8.45 ⁇ m or less is a candidate for the second wavelength ⁇ 2.
  • the first absorption spectrum 51s is very high.
  • a wavelength at which the absorptivity Ab of the first absorption spectrum 51s of water is low is used in the wavelength range of 8.06 ⁇ m to 8.45 ⁇ m. Thereby, the influence of water can be suppressed. Therefore, in the wavelength range of 8.06 ⁇ m or more and 8.45 ⁇ m or less as the second wavelength ⁇ 2, a wavelength having a low water absorptivity Ab is used as the second wavelength ⁇ 2.
  • the second wavelength ⁇ 2 is displayed as the case of using 8.32 ⁇ m light.
  • the concentration of water (first substance 51) in the sample gas 50 is detected.
  • a wavelength at which the influence of acetone (second substance 52) does not substantially occur is used.
  • the absorptivity Ab of acetone is substantially 0% at a wavelength of about 7.6 ⁇ m or more and less than 8.06 ⁇ m
  • light of a wavelength in this range is a wavelength when the concentration of water is measured (first It becomes a candidate for the wavelength ⁇ 1).
  • the first absorption spectrum 51 s has a plurality of peaks 51 p.
  • An inter-peak region 51b is present between the plurality of peaks 51p.
  • the wavelength of the inter-peak region 51b is adopted as the first wavelength ⁇ 1.
  • the first substance 51 is water
  • at least one of 7.63 ⁇ m, 7.8 ⁇ m, 7.83 ⁇ m, and 7.92 ⁇ m can be used as the first wavelength ⁇ 1, for example.
  • the rate of change of light absorption with respect to the change of the wavelength of the first substance 51 is lower than the rate of change with respect to the wavelength change in the wavelength region including the peak wavelength.
  • the degree of change in light absorption with respect to wavelength fluctuations of the first substance 51 is relatively small.
  • the wavelength of the stable minimum point of the absorption spectrum can be used.
  • the wavelength corresponding to the peak 51 p but the wavelength between the plurality of peaks 51 p is used as the first wavelength ⁇ 1.
  • the detection is performed using the wavelength corresponding to the light absorption peak 51p of the first substance 51, the value of the light absorption changes when there is a fluctuation of the wavelength.
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 a wavelength having a small variation in light absorption with respect to the variation in wavelength is used.
  • the concentration of the first substance 51 is determined using the first light L1 of this wavelength.
  • the detection result of the second light L2 of the second wavelength ⁇ 2 is corrected to obtain the concentration of the second substance 52 (for example, acetone).
  • the value obtained by this is highly accurate. According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a breath diagnostic device with high accuracy.
  • a reference example using a plurality of lasers can be considered. For example, multiple lasers are used, each emitting light of a single wavelength. The wavelength of light at this time is substantially constant, and the variation in wavelength is small.
  • the apparatus becomes large and difficult to use.
  • the breath diagnostic device There are limitations in the application of the breath diagnostic device. For example, the same problem arises in a method using a light source emitting light in a wide range of wavelengths and a wavelength filter.
  • the apparatus can be miniaturized and the application range is expanded.
  • light of a plurality of wavelengths can be obtained by using a variable wavelength laser system.
  • light of a plurality of wavelengths is obtained by using an external resonator (EC) type quantum cascade laser (QCL) described later.
  • EC-QCL external resonator
  • the change range of the wavelength is wide.
  • the width of the changeable wavelength range is about 1 ⁇ m.
  • the wavelength of light to be emitted (for example, the first light L1 and the second light L2) may change.
  • the concentration of the first substance 51 for example, water
  • the concentration of the second substance 52 for example, acetone
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is determined such that the absorptance Ab of the first substance 51 is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
  • the absorptivity Ab of the first substance (for example, water) at the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is higher than the absorptance Ab of the second substance 52 (for example, acetone) at the second wavelength ⁇ 2.
  • the absorptivity Ab of the first substance at the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is preferably five or more times the absorptance Ab of the second substance 52 at the second wavelength ⁇ 2. More preferably, it is 10 times or more.
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is set so that the absorptance Ab does not become excessively high.
  • the light absorptivity at the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is, for example, 20 of the maximum value of the plurality of peaks 51p of the light absorptivity of the first substance 51 in the wavelength range of 7.5 ⁇ m to 7.95 ⁇ m. % Or less.
  • the peak of the absorptance Ab of the first substance 51 (water) in the range of the wavelength ⁇ of 7.5 ⁇ m to 7.95 ⁇ m is 98%.
  • the absorptivity Ab is about 3% or more and about 6%.
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is not less than 7.6 ⁇ m and not more than 7.95 ⁇ m.
  • the wavelength dependency of the absorptivity Ab can be reduced by using the wavelength at which the absorptivity Ab can be obtained as compared to the peak 51p, and the detection result can be stably obtained easily.
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 may be determined based on the absorption coefficient.
  • FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are graphs illustrating the characteristics of the substance contained in the sample gas. These figures illustrate the absorption spectrum (first absorption spectrum 51s) of water (first substance 51). The horizontal axis of these figures is wavelength ⁇ . The vertical axis in FIG. 3A is the absorption coefficient Ac (cm ⁇ 1 ). The ordinate of FIG. 3 (b) represents the absorption coefficient Ac in a logarithmic manner.
  • a plurality of peaks 51p can be obtained also in the characteristics of the absorption coefficient Ac. Then, there is an inter-peak region 51b between the plurality of peaks 51p. The wavelength of the inter-peak region 51b is used as the first wavelength ⁇ 1.
  • the wavelength at which the light absorption coefficient Ac of 0.1% or less of the maximum value of the light absorption coefficient Ac of the first substance 51 obtained in the wavelength range of 7.0 ⁇ m to 7.95 ⁇ m is obtained. It is preferable to use as the first wavelength ⁇ 1.
  • the absorption coefficient Ac is the highest when the wavelength ⁇ is about 7.04 ⁇ m.
  • the highest value is about 2 cm -1 . 0.1% of this value is about 0.002 cm ⁇ 1 .
  • a wavelength at which an absorption coefficient Ac smaller than this value is obtained is used as the first wavelength ⁇ 1.
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is not less than 7.6 ⁇ m and not more than 7.95 ⁇ m
  • the second wavelength ⁇ 2 is not less than 8.1 ⁇ m. It is 4 ⁇ m or less.
  • the central wavelength of the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is, for example, at least one of 7.63 ⁇ m, 7.8 ⁇ m, 7.83 ⁇ m and 7.92 ⁇ m.
  • the central wavelength of the second wavelength ⁇ 2 is, for example, at least one of 8.0 ⁇ m and 8.12 ⁇ m.
  • the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is 7.6 ⁇ m to 7.95 ⁇ m
  • the second wavelength ⁇ 2 is 7.98 ⁇ m to 8 .2 ⁇ m or less.
  • the central wavelength of the first wavelength ⁇ 1 is, for example, at least one of 7.63 ⁇ m, 7.8 ⁇ m, 7.83 ⁇ m and 7.92 ⁇ m.
  • the central wavelength of the second wavelength ⁇ 2 is, for example, at least one of 8.0 ⁇ m and 8.12 ⁇ m.
  • the space 23s of the cell 23 is substantially filled with air.
  • detection initial second light detection
  • the result obtained at this time is the light absorption of the second light L2 in the air.
  • the exhalation 50a is blown into the supply unit 10i.
  • the breath 50a (sample gas 50) is introduced into the space 23s of the cell 23.
  • detection (sample gas second light detection) using the second light L2 is performed.
  • the result obtained at this time is the result of total light absorption of the first substance 51 and the second substance 52.
  • the concentration corresponding to the sum of the first substance 51 and the second substance 52 can be obtained. This value is taken as the second light detection result.
  • sample gas first light detection using the first light L1 is performed. Since the second substance 52 does not absorb light at the first wavelength ⁇ 1 of the first light L1, the result of the sample gas first light detection substantially corresponds to the light absorption according to the concentration of the first substance 51 (water) It becomes the value of.
  • the sample gas 50 in the space 23s is evacuated.
  • the sample gas 50 is exhausted to the outside through the discharge unit 10o.
  • the space 23s is filled with air. In this state, detection (initial first light detection) using the first light L1 is performed. The result obtained at this time is the light absorption of the first light L1 in the air.
  • the concentration of the first substance 51 can be obtained by determining the ratio of the result of the sample gas first light detection to the result of the initial first light detection. This value is taken as the first light detection result.
  • the above second light detection result is corrected using the above first light detection result.
  • the influence of the first substance 51 is substantially eliminated.
  • the concentration of the second substance 52 can be obtained.
  • the values determined are correct.
  • the detection using the first light L1 is performed.
  • the degree of light absorption of the second substance 52 (eg, acetone) is lower than that of the first substance 51 (eg, water). That is, the SN ratio of the detection of the second substance 52 using the second light L2 is low.
  • the state of the sample gas 50 in the space 23s may change.
  • the concentration of the breath 50a in the space 23s may decrease with the passage of time.
  • the detection using the second light L2 for detecting the second substance 52 is performed at a time relatively close to the start (first time) of the blowing of the breath 50a.
  • detection using the second light L2 can be performed before the state in the space 23s changes. Thereby, light absorption of the second substance 52 having a low degree of light absorption can be detected with high accuracy.
  • the degree of light absorption of the first substance 51 (for example, water) is high. Therefore, in the detection of the first light L1 of the first substance 51, the SN ratio is high. For this reason, the elapsed time after blowing in the exhalation 50a has a relatively small influence on the detection result.
  • the controller 45 may control the operation.
  • the control unit 45 performs a first operation and a second operation.
  • the second operation is performed after the first operation.
  • the control unit 45 causes the light source unit 30 to emit the second light L2 and causes the detection unit 40 to detect the intensity of the second light L2.
  • the control unit 45 causes the light source unit 30 to emit the first light L1 and causes the detection unit 40 to detect the intensity of the first light L1. That is, after the detection using the second light L2, the detection using the first light L1 is performed. Higher precision detection is possible.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating another breath diagnosis apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • a first substance sensor 61 is further provided in another breath diagnosis apparatus 111 according to the present embodiment.
  • the first substance sensor 61 is disposed, for example, in the housing 10 w.
  • the first substance sensor 61 detects, for example, the concentration of the first substance 51 in the outer space outside the cell unit 20.
  • the first substance sensor 61 for example, an electric hygrometer or the like is used.
  • the control unit 45 further calculates the concentration of the second substance 52 in the sample gas 50 based on the concentration of the first substance 51 detected by the first substance sensor 61. That is, based on the intensity of the first light, the intensity of the second light, and the concentration of the first substance 51 detected by the first substance sensor 61, the controller 45 controls the second substance in the sample gas 50. Calculate the concentration of 52.
  • the concentration of the second substance 52 can be obtained with higher accuracy.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a part of the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • the light source unit 30 includes a semiconductor light emitting element 30 aL and a wavelength control unit 30 aC.
  • the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL emits light by, for example, energy relaxation of electrons in subbands of a plurality of quantum wells.
  • the wavelength control unit 30aC adjusts the wavelength of the emitted light to generate the first light L1 and the second light L2.
  • the wavelength control unit 30aC includes a first adjustment mechanism.
  • the first adjustment mechanism shifts the wavelength of the infrared laser light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL into the absorption spectrum of one of a plurality of gases contained in the breath 50a.
  • the wavelength control unit 30aC may further include a second adjustment mechanism.
  • the second adjustment mechanism adjusts the wavelength by, for example, shifting the wavelength within the absorption spectrum of one type of gas.
  • the first adjustment mechanism includes a diffraction grating 71.
  • the diffraction grating 71 is provided to intersect the optical axis 31Lx of the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL.
  • the diffraction grating 71 forms an external resonator.
  • the incident angle of the infrared laser light to the diffraction grating 71 is changed according to the absorption spectrum of each of the plurality of substances contained in the sample gas 50.
  • the incident angle is changed to, for example, angles ⁇ 1 to ⁇ 4. Thereby, the wavelength of the infrared laser light is changed.
  • a stepping motor 99 and a drive control unit 98 are provided.
  • the drive control unit 98 controls (drives) the stepping motor 99.
  • the stepping motor 99 and the drive control unit 98 control the rotation of the diffraction grating 71 about an axis intersecting the optical axis 31Lx.
  • an antireflective coating film AR on the end face of the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL on the diffraction grating 71 side.
  • a partial reflection coating film PR (partial reflection) may be provided.
  • the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL is disposed between the partial reflection coating film PR and the antireflective coating film AR.
  • An external resonator is formed between the partially reflective coating film PR and the diffraction grating 71.
  • the wavelength may be adjusted with high accuracy by the second adjusting mechanism.
  • the drive unit 30b (see FIG. 1) can be used as the second adjustment mechanism.
  • the driving unit 30b changes at least one of the operating current value and the duty of the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL.
  • the temperature control unit 90 may be used as the second adjustment mechanism.
  • the temperature control unit 90 changes the temperature of the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL.
  • a Peltier device or the like is used as the temperature control unit 90.
  • a stress generating element or the like may be used as the second adjustment mechanism.
  • the stress generating element changes the external resonator length.
  • a stress generating element for example, a piezo element can be used.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a part of the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 shows another example of the light emitting unit 30a.
  • a diffraction grating 71a is used as a first adjustment mechanism.
  • the diffraction grating 71a moves in the XY plane which intersects the optical axis 31Lx of the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL at a predetermined incident angle ⁇ .
  • the diffraction grating 71a is moved by, for example, a stepping motor 99 and a drive control unit 98.
  • An external resonator (EC) is formed by the diffraction grating 71a and the partial reflection coating film PR of the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL.
  • the measurement light 30L emitted from the partial reflection coating film PR is incident on the cell unit 20.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views exemplifying a part of the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. These figures are schematic plan views showing an example of the diffraction grating 71a. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the diffraction grating 71 has a plurality of regions. The pitches of the gratings are different in a plurality of regions.
  • the pitch of the gratings varies along the X direction. Multiple regions with different pitches are provided.
  • the resonant wavelength is region rg2> region rg1> region rg3.
  • the wavelength can be adjusted by moving in the X direction.
  • the resonance wavelength is region rg5> region rg6> region rg7> region rg4.
  • the diffraction grating 71a is moved along the arrow direction SD illustrated in FIG. 7 (b). Thereby, the wavelength can be adjusted.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the diffraction grating 71a may be asymmetric.
  • FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C are schematic views illustrating a part of the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view.
  • FIG. 8 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 of FIG. 8 (a).
  • FIG. 8C is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the light source unit 30.
  • a semiconductor light emitting element 30aL is used as the light source unit 30.
  • a laser is used as the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL.
  • a quantum cascade laser is used.
  • the semiconductor light emitting device 30aL includes the substrate 35, the laminate 31, the first electrode 34a, the second electrode 34b, and the dielectric layer 32 (first dielectric layer). , And the insulating layer 33 (second dielectric layer).
  • a substrate 35 is provided between the first electrode 34 a and the second electrode 34 b.
  • the substrate 35 includes a first portion 35a, a second portion 35b, and a third portion 35c. These parts are arranged in one plane. This plane intersects (eg, is parallel to) the direction from the first electrode 34a to the second electrode 34b.
  • the third portion 35c is disposed between the first portion 35a and the second portion 35b.
  • the stacked body 31 is provided between the third portion 35c and the first electrode 34a.
  • a dielectric layer 32 is provided between the first portion 35a and the first electrode 34a and between the second portion 35b and the first electrode 34a.
  • An insulating layer 33 is provided between the dielectric layer 32 and the first electrode 34a.
  • the stacked body 31 has a stripe shape.
  • the stacked body 31 functions as a ridge waveguide RG.
  • the two end faces of the ridge waveguide RG become mirror surfaces.
  • the light 31L emitted from the laminate 31 is emitted from the end face (light emitting surface).
  • the light 31L is an infrared laser light.
  • the optical axis 31Lx of the light 31L is along the extending direction of the ridge waveguide RG.
  • the stacked body 31 includes, for example, a first cladding layer 31a, a first guide layer 31b, an active layer 31c, a second guide layer 31d, and a second cladding layer 31e. ,including. These layers are arranged in this order along the direction from the substrate 35 toward the first electrode 34a.
  • Each of the refractive index of the first cladding layer 31a and the refractive index of the second cladding layer 31e is determined by the refractive index of the first guide layer 31b, the refractive index of the active layer 31c, and the refractive index of the second guide layer 31d. Too low.
  • the light 31 L generated in the active layer 31 c is confined in the stack 31.
  • the first guide layer 31 b and the first cladding layer 31 a may be collectively referred to as a cladding layer.
  • the second guide layer 31d and the second cladding layer 31e may be collectively referred to as a cladding layer.
  • the stacked body 31 has a first side 31 sa and a second side 31 sb perpendicular to the optical axis 31 Lx.
  • the distance 31w (width) between the first side surface 31sa and the second side surface 31sb is, for example, 5 ⁇ m or more and 20 ⁇ m or less. Thereby, for example, control of the horizontal lateral mode is facilitated, and output improvement is facilitated. If the distance 31 w is excessively long, high-order modes are likely to occur in the horizontal transverse mode, and it is difficult to increase the output.
  • the refractive index of the dielectric layer 32 is lower than the refractive index of the active layer 31c.
  • the ridge waveguide RG is formed by the dielectric layer 32 along the optical axis 31Lx.
  • the active layer 31c has, for example, a cascade structure.
  • the cascade structure for example, the first region r1 and the second region r2 are alternately stacked.
  • the unit structure r3 includes a first region r1 and a second region r2. A plurality of unit structures r3 are provided.
  • first barrier layer BL1 and the first quantum well layer WL1 are provided in the first region r1.
  • the second barrier layer BL2 is provided in the second region r2.
  • the third barrier layer BL3 and the second quantum well layer WL2 are provided in another first region r1a.
  • a fourth barrier layer BL4 is provided in another second region r2a.
  • an intersubband optical transition of the first quantum well layer WL1 occurs in the first region r1, an intersubband optical transition of the first quantum well layer WL1 occurs. Thereby, for example, light 31La having a wavelength of 3 ⁇ m to 18 ⁇ m is emitted.
  • the energy of carriers c1 (for example, electrons) injected from the first region r1 can be relaxed.
  • the well width WLt is, for example, 5 nm or less.
  • the energy levels are discretely generated, for example, the first sub-band WLa (high level Lu) and the second sub-band WLb (low level Ll).
  • the carriers c1 injected from the first barrier layer BL1 are effectively confined in the first quantum well layer WL1.
  • the carrier c1 transitions from the high level Lu to the low level Ll
  • the light 31La corresponding to the energy difference (the difference between the high level Lu and the low level Ll) is emitted. That is, an optical transition occurs.
  • light 31 Lb is emitted in the second quantum well layer WL2 of another first region r1a.
  • the quantum well layer may include a plurality of wells with overlapping wave functions.
  • the respective high levels Lu of the plurality of quantum well layers may be identical to each other.
  • the low levels Ll of the plurality of quantum well layers may be the same as one another.
  • intersubband optical transitions occur in either the conduction band or the valence band.
  • recombination of holes and electrons by a pn junction is not necessary.
  • carriers c1 of either holes or electrons cause optical transition to emit light.
  • carriers c1 for example, electrons
  • a barrier layer for example, the first barrier layer BL1
  • the well layer for example, the first quantum well layer WL1 is implanted. This causes an intersubband optical transition.
  • the second region r2 has, for example, a plurality of subbands.
  • the sub band is, for example, a mini band.
  • the energy difference in the subbands is small.
  • the second region r2 for example, light (for example, infrared light having a wavelength of 3 ⁇ m to 18 ⁇ m) is not substantially emitted.
  • the carriers c1 (electrons) of the low level L1 of the first region r1 pass through the second barrier layer BL2, are injected into the second region r2, and are relaxed.
  • the carrier c1 is injected into another cascaded first region r1a. An optical transition occurs in this first region r1a.
  • optical transition occurs in each of the plurality of unit structures r3. This makes it easy to obtain high light output in the entire active layer 31c.
  • the light source unit 30 includes the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL.
  • the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL emits measurement light 30L by energy relaxation of electrons in the sub-bands of the plurality of quantum wells (for example, the first quantum well layer WL1 and the second quantum well layer WL2).
  • GaAs is used for the quantum well layers (for example, the first quantum well layer WL1 and the second quantum well layer WL2).
  • Al x Ga 1 -x As (0 ⁇ x ⁇ 1) is used for the barrier layers (eg, the first to fourth barrier layers BL1 to BL4).
  • the barrier layers eg, the first to fourth barrier layers BL1 to BL4.
  • the first cladding layer 31a and the second cladding layer 31e contain, for example, Si as an n-type impurity.
  • the impurity concentration in these layers is, for example, 1 ⁇ 10 18 cm ⁇ 3 or more and 1 ⁇ 10 20 cm ⁇ 3 or less (for example, about 6 ⁇ 10 18 cm ⁇ 3 ).
  • the thickness of each of these layers is, for example, 0.5 ⁇ m or more and 2 ⁇ m or less (for example, about 1 ⁇ m).
  • the first guide layer 31 b and the second guide layer 31 d contain, for example, Si as an n-type impurity.
  • the impurity concentration in these layers is, for example, 1 ⁇ 10 16 cm ⁇ 3 or more and 1 ⁇ 10 17 cm ⁇ 3 or less (for example, about 4 ⁇ 10 16 cm ⁇ 3 ).
  • the thickness of each of these layers is, for example, 2 ⁇ m or more and 5 ⁇ m or less (for example, 3.5 ⁇ m).
  • the distance 31 w (the width of the stack 31, that is, the width of the active layer 31 c) is, for example, 5 ⁇ m or more and 20 ⁇ m or less (for example, about 14 ⁇ m).
  • the length of the ridge waveguide RG is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less (for example, about 3 mm).
  • the semiconductor light emitting element 30aL operates at an operating voltage of, for example, 10 V or less.
  • the consumption current is lower than that of a carbon dioxide gas laser device or the like. This enables low power consumption operation.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the breath diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.
  • a first detector 65 is provided in the breath diagnostic apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment.
  • the breath diagnostic apparatus 120 is the same as the breath diagnostic device 110, so the description is omitted.
  • the first detector 65 detects the first substance 51 in the sample gas 50.
  • a semiconductor sensor is used as the first detector 65.
  • the first detector 65 is attached to the inner wall of the cell 23.
  • the first detector 65 measures the amount (concentration) of the first substance 51 (water) in the sample gas 50 in the space 23s.
  • the control unit 45 calculates the concentration of the second substance 52 in the sample gas 50 based on the concentration of the first substance 51 obtained by the first detector 65 and the intensity of the second light L2.
  • the influence of the first substance 51 (for example, water) can be substantially eliminated.
  • a highly accurate breath diagnostic apparatus can be provided.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating another breath diagnosis apparatus according to the second embodiment.
  • a light emitting unit 66a and a light detecting unit 66b are used as the first detector 65.
  • the first detector 65 is the same as that of the breath diagnostic device 120, explanation is omitted.
  • the light emitting unit 66 a causes the near infrared light 66 c to be incident on the space 23 s into which the sample gas 50 is introduced.
  • the light detection unit 66 b detects the intensity of the near infrared light 66 c that has passed through the space 23 s into which the sample gas 50 has been introduced.
  • a laser diode is used as the light detection unit 66b.
  • a photodiode is used as the light detection unit 66b.
  • near-infrared light 66 c is absorbed by the first substance 51 when passing through the space 23 s.
  • a signal according to the concentration of the first substance 51 in the space 23s is obtained from the detection result of the light detection unit 66b.
  • the control unit 45 calculates the concentration of the second substance 52 in the sample gas 50 based on the concentration of the first substance 51 detected by the first detector 65 and the intensity of the second light L2. Thereby, the concentration of the second substance 52 can be accurately obtained.
  • breath diagnosis apparatuses that can be appropriately designed and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the breath diagnosis apparatus described above as the embodiment of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as the scope of the present invention is included. Belongs to

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Abstract

Un mode de réalisation de la présente invention concerne un dispositif de diagnostic d'air expiré, qui a une section de cellule, une unité de source de lumière, une unité de détection et une unité de commande. La section de cellule a un espace dans lequel est introduit un échantillon de gaz contenant l'air expiré, qui contient à la fois une première substance et une seconde substance qui est différente de ladite première substance. L'unité de source de lumière entre, dans ledit espace, une première lumière qui a une première longueur d'onde qui est entre une pluralité de pics d'absorption de lumière pour la première substance, et une seconde lumière qui a une seconde longueur d'onde qui est différente de la première longueur d'onde. L'unité de détection détecte l'intensité de la première lumière et l'intensité de la seconde lumière une fois que ladite lumière a traversé l'espace mentionné ci-dessus, avec l'échantillon de gaz introduit dans ledit espace. L'unité de commande calcule la concentration de la seconde substance dans l'échantillon de gaz sur la base de l'intensité de la première lumière et l'intensité de la seconde lumière.
PCT/JP2014/073719 2014-03-14 2014-09-08 Dispositif de diagnostic d'air expiré WO2015136744A1 (fr)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9835550B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2017-12-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Breath analyzer

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003050203A (ja) * 2001-08-03 2003-02-21 Nissan Motor Co Ltd 非分散型赤外吸収式ガス分析装置及び分析方法
JP2012143569A (ja) * 2000-02-22 2012-08-02 Kemeta Llc 医療装置及び患者の息を分析するための方法
JP2013038092A (ja) * 2011-08-03 2013-02-21 Toshiba Corp 半導体レーザ装置
JP2014500959A (ja) * 2010-11-09 2014-01-16 ホエーク・インスツルメント・アクチボラゲット 多機能呼気分析器

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012143569A (ja) * 2000-02-22 2012-08-02 Kemeta Llc 医療装置及び患者の息を分析するための方法
JP2003050203A (ja) * 2001-08-03 2003-02-21 Nissan Motor Co Ltd 非分散型赤外吸収式ガス分析装置及び分析方法
JP2014500959A (ja) * 2010-11-09 2014-01-16 ホエーク・インスツルメント・アクチボラゲット 多機能呼気分析器
JP2013038092A (ja) * 2011-08-03 2013-02-21 Toshiba Corp 半導体レーザ装置

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9835550B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2017-12-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Breath analyzer

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