Biochip Alignment via Light-Activated RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning biochips with post-processing devices are costly and result in low throughput due to the reliance on camera systems for visual inspection of alignment marks, which is inefficient for precise and rapid biochemical detection applications.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing light-activated circuits with photosites and RF circuits on the biochip, which emit radio frequency signals when illuminated, allowing the post-processing device to automatically determine the precise position and orientation of the biochip, enabling accurate alignment without the need for manual intervention or costly camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera systems are used to visually inspect alignment marks on biochips, then alignment can be achieved, but the cost increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical camera-based alignment system with an electromagnetic RF signal-based system. Light-activated circuits on the biochip generate RF signals that are detected by the post-processing device, enabling automatic alignment without mechanical camera inspection. This substitution eliminates the throughput bottleneck while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The biochip performs self-alignment by containing light-activated circuits that automatically generate RF signals when illuminated. The post-processing device detects these self-generated signals to determine the biochip's position and orientation, eliminating the need for external camera systems to inspect alignment marks. This self-service mechanism improves both speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are used to visually inspect alignment marks on biochips, then alignment can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical/optical camera systems with a simpler electromagnetic RF signal detection system. The light-activated circuits generate RF signals that can be detected by standard RF receivers, eliminating the need for costly high-precision camera systems while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive light-activated circuits integrated directly into the biochip as alignment markers. These circuits are cheaper than camera systems and can be mass-produced as part of the biochip fabrication process. The RF signals they generate provide sufficient alignment precision without requiring expensive external alignment equipment.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used, then equipment cost can be reduced, but alignment precision and speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The biochip contains light-activated circuits that automatically generate RF signals for alignment detection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment operations while providing high precision through automated RF signal detection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated electromagnetic RF signal-based system. The light-activated circuits generate RF signals that are detected and processed by the post-processing device, providing both high precision and high speed without manual intervention.
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 improves the alignment process by enabling precise and automatic positioning of biochips, enhancing throughput and reducing costs by eliminating the need for expensive camera-based alignment methods, thereby facilitating more efficient biochemical detection.
Implementation Method 1
a photosite (120) and an RF circuit (124). The RF circuit (124) is configured to emit a radio frequency signal in response to illumination of the photosite (120)
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of aligning a semiconductor chip includes forming a semiconductor chip with a light-activated circuit including at least one photosite, positioning the semiconductor chip relative to a device, and illuminating the positioned semiconductor chip. The method further includes generating an RF signal with an RF circuit based upon illumination of the at least one photosite, and determining the position of the photosite with respect to the device based upon the generated RF signal.