Russian Scientists Develop Advanced Photodetector Device to Measure Oxygen Concentration in Blood
Scientists at Samara National Research University in Russia have developed an advanced infrared photodetector designed to measure the concentration of oxygen in the blood. This new device, described in a study published in the journal Computer Optics, could have significant applications in both medical diagnostics and scientific research, including potential use on spacecraft.
The photodetector, which is flexible and highly sensitive, is based on a combination of titanium disulfide and silver nitrate. Its primary function is to accurately measure dissolved oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for assessing the efficiency of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as evaluating overall blood health. This could be particularly useful in the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Anastasia Remzina, one of the study's authors and a graduate student at Samara University, explained that infrared detectors like this one work by converting light signals into electrical signals, a process enabled by the internal photoelectric effect. This allows the device to monitor how gases, such as oxygen, reduce the intensity of infrared radiation, thereby determining their concentration.
Unlike many commercially available photodetectors, which are often made from rigid materials that limit their flexibility and adaptability, this new photodetector can be bent or compressed, making it easier to incorporate into various forms of medical and scientific equipment. This innovation could pave the way for more versatile and efficient diagnostic tools.