Time-resolved breast imaging device
US6339216B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/4312
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A photodetection circuit for use in a laser imaging apparatus comprises a photodetector adapted to respond to a laser pulse exiting from a breast being scanned; a multi-gain preamplifier circuit connected to the output of the photodetector; a switch connected to the output of the multi-gain preamplifier for sampling the output of the photodetector; an RC circuit for spreading the sampled signal; an amplifier connected to the output of the RC circuit; and an integrator for integrating each sample of the output. A time-gating circuit is operably connected to the switch to open and close the switch at regular intervals of time during the occurrence of the output. A laser pulse synchronization circuit is operably connected to the time-gating circuit to provide a signal to the time-gating circuit as to when the laser pulse is expected to arrive at the photodetector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.