ATR Optical Sensor Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors face limitations in sensitivity and resolution due to non-uniform light intensity distributions, which lead to normalization errors and reduced signal-to-noise ratios, especially when using high power sources like edge-emitting diodes and laser diodes.
Innovation Solution
The optical detection system employs a distribution device with aspherical lenses to redistribute non-uniform light intensity from high power sources into a substantially uniform intensity distribution, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios across the detector array by preserving optical power and flattening the intensity profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high power light sources (edge-emitting diodes, laser diodes) are used to increase illumination intensity, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but non-uniform intensity distribution causes normalization errors and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser element as an intermediary component between the light source and the sensor chip. This diffuser acts as a mediator that transforms the non-uniform intensity distribution from high power light sources into a substantially uniform intensity distribution, thereby maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while eliminating normalization errors in SPR measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light intensity distribution by introducing a diffuser element with specific optical properties. The diffuser modifies the spatial distribution parameter of the light beam, converting it from a non-uniform Gaussian-like profile to a uniform profile, which resolves the contradiction between high illumination intensity and measurement precision
2Device complexity
If non-uniform light intensity distribution is used from high power sources, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity and resolution of SPR sensor deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser element serves as a simple intermediary component that uniformly distributes light intensity without requiring complex optical systems. This single element achieves the desired uniform illumination while maintaining low device complexity, thereby improving sensitivity and resolution without complicating the optical system
3Measurement precision
If uniform intensity distribution is achieved through software normalization, then measurement precision improves, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to normalization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by uniformly distributing the light intensity before it reaches the sensor chip through the diffuser element. This prevents the formation of non-uniform intensity patterns that would require software normalization, thereby eliminating normalization errors and maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while achieving accurate angular location measurements
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 significantly enhances the sensitivity and resolution of SPR sensors by ensuring consistent light illumination, improving the accuracy and sensitivity of SPR measurements, particularly in high-throughput biomolecular screening applications.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution device with aspherical lenses to redistribute non-uniform light intensity from high power sources into a substantially uniform intensity distribution
Implementation Method 2
an angular range of incident light is reflected internally along a line at the glass/gold film interface thus creating a total internal reflection (TIR) -evanescent field at the glass/gold interface
Implementation Method 3
this TIR-evanescent field transfers energy from incident light rays through the gold film and creates a surface plasmon wave resonance at the gold film/sensor layer interface
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical detection system is provided for generating and detecting a beam of electromagnetic radiation having intensity. The optical detection system comprises a source for producing the beam of electromagnetic radiation; and a body, that is at least partially transparent and comprises an ATR-sensor layer on at least a portion of the body, having an entrance surface for the beam of electromagnetic radiation, an internally or externally reflective surface that reflects the beam transmitted through the entrance surface, and an exit surface through which the beam, reflected from the second surface, exits the transparent body. The optical detection system may further comprise a distribution device between the beam source and the body; wherein the distribution device redistributes the intensity of the beam from a non-uniform intensity distribution to a substantially uniform intensity distribution; and a detector that detects the beam of electromagnetic radiation exiting the body.