Biosensor Interferometer Monolithic Substrate Spectral Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interferometer technologies for detecting analyte binding events in samples face limitations in performance, particularly in maximizing AC components and minimizing DC offsets, which affects the accuracy and sensitivity of analyte detection.

Innovation Solution

The development of a biosensor interferometer utilizing a thin-film technology with a monolithic substrate, a biomolecular layer, and a thin-film layer with a reflecting surface, where the biomolecular layer's thickness change due to analyte binding is measured through spectral interference patterns, enhancing coupling efficiency and reducing unwanted reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional interferometer technology is used for analyte detection, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the detection sensitivity and accuracy are limited due to insufficient AC component maximization and inadequate DC offset minimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivity and accuracyVSAvoidinterferometer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interferometer is divided into distinct functional segments: a first optical element (e.g., prism) for light incident, a second optical element (e.g., waveguide) for light propagation, and a third optical element (e.g., detector) for light detection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component for maximizing AC components and minimizing DC offsets, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary optical coupling mechanism is introduced between the first and second optical elements, and between the second and third optical elements. This intermediary coupling optimizes light transmission efficiency and enables better control over interference patterns, allowing maximization of AC components (signal variations) and minimization of DC offsets (baseline signals), thus improving detection sensitivity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the interferometer is optimized to maximize AC components and minimize DC offsets, then detection accuracy improves, but the optical coupling requirements become more stringent and difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical coupling alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical elements are designed with matched optical impedance and coupling interfaces that create equipotential optical conditions. The first, second, and third optical elements are configured with compatible numerical apertures, refractive indices, and surface configurations that facilitate automatic mode matching and reduce sensitivity to misalignment, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while easing operational alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The optical parameters of the interferometer components are optimized to operate at specific wavelengths and angles where the AC component maximization and DC offset minimization are naturally enhanced. By selecting optimal operating parameters (wavelength, incident angle, polarization state), the system achieves high detection accuracy with more relaxed alignment tolerances, making the system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the detection sensitivity and accuracy by maximizing AC components and minimizing DC offsets, allowing for real-time measurement of kinetic binding curves and precise quantification of analyte concentrations.

Implementation Method 1

detecting an interference pattern formed by the first and second light beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a thin-film layer with a reflecting surface, where the biomolecular layer's thickness change due to analyte binding is measured through spectral interference patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12055486B2Optical sensor of bio-molecules using interferometer
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 ACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS LTD
  • US12055486B2 patent drawing
  • US12055486B2 patent drawing
  • US12055486B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly includes a light source to emit light signals; a light detector to detect light signals; a coupler to optically couple the light source and the light detector to a waveguide tip; a monolithic substrate having a coupling side and a sensing side; and a lens between the waveguide tip and the monolithic substrate. The lens relays optical signals between the waveguide tip and the monolithic substrate.