Bio-chip Package with Integrated Waveguide Spectrometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical biosensors are large, complex, prone to errors, and time-consuming, and rely on fluorescence reactants for molecular characterization, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A compact bio-chip package with an integrated optical spectrometer using whispering gallery modes (WGMs) for molecular characterization, which eliminates the need for fluorescence reactants and reduces sample volume, incorporating a substrate with layers for waveguide and grating coupler systems to detect molecular changes via capillary action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical biosensors are used for molecular characterization, then fluorescence reactants can be employed for detection, but the device becomes large, complex, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spectrometer, waveguide system, and sensor functions into a single compact bio-chip package. The microparticle is positioned within an evanescent field region of the waveguide, combining the sensing element and detection system into one integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate fluorescence reactant systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide-based evanescent field sensing system serves multiple functions: it provides molecular characterization, detects molecular interactions, and enables label-free detection without requiring fluorescence reactants. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate fluorescence detection systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical biosensors are used, then fluorescence reactants are required for detection, but this leads to inaccurate results and increased time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fluorescence reactant requirement from the detection system. By using label-free evanescent field sensing, the system removes the time-consuming steps of fluorescence labeling and reactant addition, achieving accurate molecular characterization directly through refractive index changes in the evanescent field
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide system is pre-configured with the evanescent field region and microparticle positioning structure, eliminating the need for preliminary fluorescence labeling steps. The system is ready for immediate molecular characterization upon sample introduction, reducing total characterization time
3Measurement precision
If discrete bio-reagent and optical fiber systems are used, then molecular detection can be performed, but the device size becomes large and sample volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the microparticle within the evanescent field region of the waveguide structure, and integrates this sensing element into the bio-chip package. This nested configuration allows molecular detection in a highly confined space, reducing the required sample volume from conventional optical fiber system scales to microliter or nanoliter levels
4Measurement precision
If conventional biosensor systems are used, then molecular characterization can be achieved, but the system becomes prone to errors and requires more resources
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all sensing and detection functions into a single compact bio-chip package with the waveguide and microparticle system, the invention eliminates multiple discrete components and interfaces that could introduce errors. The label-free detection method also eliminates errors associated with fluorescence reactant preparation and handling, improving reliability
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 bio-chip package provides accurate and reliable molecular characterization with reduced complexity and sample usage, saving time and resources compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide system is configured to direct the received source light to the grating coupler
Implementation Method 2
The grating coupler is configured to couple the source light to a portion of the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor is configured to determine a change in the wavelength of the source light caused by a coupling between the source light and the fluid
Implementation Method 4
inputting a fluid by capillary action into a bio-chip package
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-chip package comprises a substrate a first layer over the substrate comprising an image sensor. The bio-chip package also comprises a second layer over the first layer. The second layer comprises a waveguide system a grating coupler. The bio-chip package also comprises a third layer arranged to accommodate a fluid between a first-third layer portion and a second-third layer portion, and to allow the fluid to pass from a first side of the third layer to a second side of the third layer. The third layer comprises a material having a predetermined transparency with respect to a wavelength of a received source light, the waveguide system is configured to direct the received source light to the grating coupler, and the image sensor is configured to determine a change in the wavelength of the source light caused by a coupling between the source light and the fluid.