System and method of using ultrafast raman spectroscopy and a laser for quasi-real time detection and eradication of pathogens

A device for detecting and eradicating pathogens on a selected surface comprising

• a first source for directing an array of excitation radiation at a selected surface to produce resonance Raman scattering (RRS);
• a second source for directing an array of UVC radiation at the selected surface to irradiate pathogens at the selected surface;
• fiber optic or waveguide light conduits arranged in a pattern to deliver said array of excitation radiation and said array of UVC radiation to the selected surface target site;
• detecting means for detecting said RRS at said target site when excitation radiation impinges on the selected surface;
• and
• determining means for determining whether said detected RRS is indicative of the presence of the pathogen on the selected surface;
• and
• activation means for activating said second source to direct the array of UVC radiation at the selected surface to irradiate the selected surface only when the selected surface is determined to support or exhibit the pathogen to create a peripheral pathogen-free zone circumscribing pathogens at the selected surface target site.

A method of diagnosing and eradicating pathogens comprising the steps of

• directing an array of excitation radiation at a selected surface target site with fiber optic or waveguide light conduits arranged in a pattern to produce resonance Raman resonance RRS at said target site when excitation radiation impinges on the selected surface;
• and;
• directing an array of UVC radiation at the selected surface target site with fiberoptic or waveguide light conduits arranged in a pattern to destroy or compromise pathogens on the selected surface;
• detecting said RSS at said target site when excitation radiation impinges on the selected surface;
• and
• determining whether said detected RRS is indicative of the presence of pathogens,
• whereby directing UVC eradication radiation at the selected surface target site to eradicate the pathogens at said selected surface at the target site is performed only when the selected surface target site is determined to exhibit pathogen to create a peripheral pathogen-free zone circumscribing a pathogen-free region at the selected surface target site.