INSTANT, IN-SITU, NONDESTRUCTIVE MATERIAL DIFFERENTIATION APPARATUS AND METHOD

Specular, ultrasonic, piezoelectric, detection devices provide real-time, analytical, edge finding in tissues during tumor surgery. Piezoelectric probe sensors at high frequencies (e.g., 10 to 100 MHz) characterize microstructure of cells and tissues. Through-transmission or specular reflection enables nondestructive testing in real time. Peak density analysis in power spectra, second-order spectrum analysis measuring the slope of the Fourier transform of the power spectrum, artificial intelligence pattern recognition, and modeling interpret the results. Model-based data analysis may compare experimental data with a computer simulation. Such comparisons may be based upon pattern classifications, including principal component analysis (PCA). Combining the above detection devices and analytical methods provides speed, accuracy, simplicity, and nondestructive mechanisms that militate for reliable, real-time diagnosis of tumor margins, tissue pathology, cell phenotypes, and molecular subtypes.