Integrated Analytical Device Optical Coupling Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analytical systems face challenges in increasing sensitivity while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio, reducing size and complexity, and enhancing scalability and throughput, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels.
Innovation Solution
An integrated analytical device is developed, incorporating a plurality of reaction cells, a detector element, and an optical element to deliver optical signals, which improves optical coupling efficiency and reduces noise contributions by eliminating free space regions and using a substantially solid medium for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensitivity is increased to detect cellular or molecular level reactions, then detection capability is improved, but noise level increases and obscures the desired signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reaction cell and detector into a single unified structure where the detector is positioned in direct contact with the reaction cell bottom. This merging eliminates free space regions between components, reduces optical path length, and minimizes noise contributions from intermediate media while maximizing signal detection efficiency at the cellular and molecular levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a substantially solid medium (such as an optical coupling medium or transparent substrate) to replace air or free space between the reaction cell and detector. This intermediary medium provides optimal optical coupling, enhances signal transmission, and reduces noise by eliminating scattering and absorption that occur in free space
2Device complexity
If analytical systems are integrated into a unified structure, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (reaction cell, detector, optical elements) into a single integrated device structure. The detector is positioned in direct contact with the reaction cell bottom, eliminating the need for separate mounting and alignment procedures. This integration simplifies the overall system while the manufacturing process ensures precise positioning through unified fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the reaction cell performs chemical/biological reactions, the detector detects optical signals, and the unified structure provides mechanical support and optical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining detection precision
3Productivity
If multiple reaction cells are integrated with detector elements, then throughput is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analytical system into multiple independent reaction cells, each with its own detector element positioned in direct contact. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples or reactions simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure for each detection unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple reaction cells and detector elements into a unified structure where each detector is directly coupled to its corresponding reaction cell. This merging approach increases throughput by enabling simultaneous detection in multiple cells while reducing overall system complexity through standardized integration patterns and shared support structures
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
This approach enhances the sensitivity and scalability of analytical systems, reduces noise, and increases throughput by integrating reaction cells and detectors within a unified structure, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element for delivering an optical signal from a respective reaction cell to the detector element
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical assembly within a unified device structure for integration into an analytical system. The analytical assembly is scalable and includes a plurality of analytical devices, each of which includes a reaction cell, an optical sensor, and at least one optical element positioned in optical communication with both the reaction cell and the sensor and which delivers optical signals from the cell to the sensor. Additional elements are optionally integrated into the analytical assembly. Methods for forming and operating the analytical system are also disclosed.