Solid-state non-invasive infrared absorption spectrometer for the generation and capture of thermal gradient spectra form living tissue

摘要

A solid-state spectrometer for the non-invasive generation and capture of thermal gradient spectra from human or animal tissue. The spectrometer includes an infrared transmissive thermal mass window for inducing a transient temperature gradient in the tissue by means of conductive heat transfer with the tissue, and cooling means in operative combination with the thermal mass window for cooling the thermal mass window. Also provided is an infrared sensor means for detecting infrared emissions emanating from the tissue as the transient temperature gradient progresses into the tissue, and for providing output signals proportional to the detected infrared emissions. Data capture means is provided for sampling the output signals received from the infrared sensor means as the transient temperature gradient progresses into the tissue.