Recording physiological data without contact
While laser vibrometers are already well-established tools used in industry and mechanical engineering where zero influence on the sample is required, their use for recording physiological data is fairly innovative by comparison. In medical research, non-contact measurement isn’t just more pleasant for the patient; it offers decisive hygienic benefits, too. The applications are based on the realization that many of the body’s physiological activities have mechanical components. Some of the energy – however small and barely noticeable– is transported to the skin and creates skin movement. Accordingly, a wide range of internal body sounds, pulses and vibrations can be recorded simply by directing a laser beam at the body.
Various cardiovascular activities can be recorded with laser vibrometers:
- Ballistocardiac movements
- The heart walls’ local signals in the individual phases of the cardiac cycle
- The blood vessels’ pressure signals
Laser vibrometry focusing on the small details
Characterize small and delicate structures in a non-contact way. Analyze vibration, acoustics and dynamics. Measure biomedical samples, electronics components and microstructures like MEMS by light, without mass-loading, and from DC up to the GHz range on a large bandwidth. Laser vibrometers focus on the small details, measuring deflection shapes for model validation. They assess the frequency response and determine resonance frequency, impulse response and Q factor. No matter how big or small – Polytec vibrometers measure it!
Laser vibration measurement for visualization
Sound from speech, for example, is radiated not only from the mouth and nostril openings, but also from the surfaces of the head and neck. Scientists can use Polytec Scanning Vibrometers to measure vibrations caused during phonation. The method is suitable for evaluating the speech of patients with cleft palate or velopharyngeal insufficiency in the throat area. Vibration patterns may be helpful as visual feedback on speaking exercises for such patients.
Related products
VibroScan QTec Xtra
VibroScan QTec Xtra measures vibrations in a new way - without contact, full-field and with unprecedented precision. With its groundbreaking multi-path interferometry, QTec® sets new standards in terms of optical sensitivity and interference immunity. The Xtra, based on an infrared (SWIR) laser is characterized by the highest optical sensitivity to guarantee highly accurate measurements even on demanding technical surfaces. VibroScan QTec Xtra ensures maximum portability through integrated data acquisition and signal generator up to 32 MHz.
RLV-5500 Rotational Laser Vibrometer
The RLV-5500 Rotational Laser Vibrometer measures the angular velocity and angular displacement of rotational vibrations up to 10 kHz on any shape of rotating structure. It precisely analyzes the rotational dynamics of drivetrains, gas turbines, electrical generators, printers and copiers, and thus enables you to develop products efficiently and quickly perform troubleshooting operations.
VibroOne
The laser Doppler vibrometer VibroOne® is the one-box solution for non-contact vibration measurement up to 3 MHz. It is specifically designed for tightly packed setups, whether in research laboratories, challenging production environments or for non-contact analysis of tiny details on microstructures or biomedical probes. The optional inline HD+ camera helps positioning the laser precisely and provides proper test documentation.
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