Patent ID: 8326388
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for non-invasive measurement of living body characteristics, comprising: a light source configured to generate light containing a specific wavelength component of 400 to 5000 nm; an irradiation unit configured to apply the light generated by the light source to a subject; and at least one acoustic signal detection unit including piezoelectric devices each formed of a piezoelectric single crystal containing lead titanate and configured to detect an acoustic signal resulting from energy of light applied to and absorbed by a specific substance present in or on the subject, wherein the piezoelectric single crystal has a transmittance of about 70% to the specific wavelength component of 400 to 6000 nm, and wherein the irradiation unit applies the light generated by the light source to the subject via the acoustic signal detection unit.