Active-Surface Sensor Flow Cell for Compact Fluorescent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for fluorescent detection in biological or chemical research are expensive and have a large footprint, while flow cells without optical assemblies are limited in sensor active area utilization.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell apparatus with a molding layer and lidding layer configuration that maximizes sensor active area, utilizing a molding height greater than the sensor surface height to define a flow channel, and includes features like through-silicon vias and redistribution layers for electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional optical system with lenses, filters, and light sources is used for fluorescent detection, then detection capability is achieved, but device cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical assembly (lenses, filters, light sources) from the detection system, retaining only the essential sensor component that performs fluorescent detection. This eliminates unnecessary optical elements while preserving core detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive flow cell design that can be easily manufactured and potentially disposed of after use, replacing the need for expensive, complex optical systems. The flow cell serves as a disposable or replaceable component that enables detection without requiring permanent installation of costly optical assemblies.
2Volume of moving object
If a small flow cell is used to reduce device size, then footprint is reduced, but sensor active area utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maximizes sensor active area utilization by optimizing the two-dimensional arrangement of sensors within the flow cell footprint. By carefully designing the flow channel geometry and sensor placement in the planar dimensions, the system achieves high active area utilization without increasing the overall flow cell volume.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective flow cell that efficiently utilizes the sensor active area for detection, enabling efficient detection of reactions in biological or chemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system is used to direct an excitation light onto fluorescently-labeled analytes and to also detect the fluorescent signals that may be emitted from the analytes
Implementation Method 2
The active surface of the sensor, the lidding layer and the molding layer form a space over the active surface of the sensor that defines a flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in one example is an apparatus including a substrate, a sensor over the substrate including an active surface and a sensor bond pad, a molding layer over the substrate and covering sides of the sensor, the molding layer having a molding height relative to a top surface of the substrate that is greater than a height of the active surface of the sensor relative to the top surface of the substrate, and a lidding layer over the molding layer and over the active surface. The lidding layer and the molding layer form a space over the active surface of the sensor that defines a flow channel.