LETI: Device for the diagnosis of caries

History

2025: Product Announcement

Specialists of the St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University LETI named after V.I. Ulyanova developed the first in Russia system of laser diagnostics of caries, which can replace X-ray equipment in dental rooms. The innovative device uses semiconductor laser diodes to safely analyze the dental condition of patients directly in the dental chair without age and health restrictions. This was announced on August 13, 2025 by the developers.

According to Izvestia, the new technology is based on the laser-induced fluorescence method, which allows detecting carious lesions in the early stages of development. The device is especially important, since tooth decay is the most common oral disease found in 95-99% of the population according to various estimates of specialists.

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Фото: LETI Press Service

Professor of the Department of Electronic Devices and Devices of St. Petersburg State Technical University LETI Andrei Ukhov emphasized the fundamental advantages of the new development. According to him, unlike X-ray devices for diagnosing diseases of the maxillofacial region, this device uses semiconductor laser diodes, the radiation of which is absolutely safe and can be used to treat patients of any category without restrictions.

The technical basis of the device is based on two types of laser radiation with wavelengths of approximately 400 and 650 nanometers. At the initial stage of research, LETI scientists selected the optimal laser radiation parameters to determine the presence of caries, using surgically removed teeth with different degrees of damage as samples.

The prototype diagnostic device consists of two semiconductor lasers with wavelengths of 405 and 635 nanometers. Photodiodes with optical filters are used to register the signal, and information from the device is transmitted to a personal computer via a USB connection. Special software is engaged in the interpretation of the data received.^[1]

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