Numerical Analysis of a SiN Digital Fourier Transform Spectrometer for a Non-Invasive Skin Cancer Biosensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Materials Science
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional melanoma diagnosis relies on visual assessment and biopsy, facing accuracy limitations and inter-observer variability.
• Non-invasive diagnostic technologies like Raman spectroscopy offer potential for early skin cancer detection.
• Miniaturizing Raman spectrometers for portable use is challenging due to signal weakness and fluorescence interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically analyze an integrated digital Fourier transform spectrometer on a silicon nitride platform for Raman spectroscopy.
• To develop a portable, real-time system for non-invasive skin cancer diagnosis.
• To reconstruct and analyze Raman spectra for differentiating benign and malignant skin lesions.

Main Methods:

• Numerical analysis of a switch-based digital Fourier transform spectrometer on a silicon nitride platform.
• Coupling the spectrometer with a single optical power meter for detection.
• Utilizing a regularized regression method for Raman spectra reconstruction (800-1800 cm^-1).

Main Results:

• Successfully reconstructed Raman spectra from benign and malignant skin lesions.
• Demonstrated the system's capability to differentiate various skin cancer types.
• Validated the feasibility of the silicon nitride platform for compact Raman spectrometer integration.

Conclusions:

• The proposed silicon nitride digital Fourier transform spectrometer is a feasible non-invasive diagnostic sensor for skin cancer.
• This technology can enhance diagnostic precision and potentially reduce reliance on biopsies.
• Advances in silicon photonics enable compact and efficient spectroscopic devices for medical applications.