On-Chip Infrared Analysis Chip With Nanocarbon Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared spectroscopy systems are limited by large size, slow response, and inability to achieve submicron spatial resolution or high-speed, time-resolved measurements, preventing integration onto a chip and limiting applications in fields like chemistry and biotechnology.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a nanocarbon material as a luminescent light source on a substrate, integrated with a photodetector, enabling high spatial and temporal resolution infrared analysis on a chip, with a nanocarbon light source capable of emitting infrared light at 100 picosecond response times and a broad emission spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If macro-sized blackbody radiation sources (halogen lamp or ceramic light source) are used for infrared spectroscopy, then broad wavelength range infrared light can be obtained, but the spatial resolution is limited to 10 microns or so and the response speed is slow (about 100-ms)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by transitioning from macro-sized blackbody radiation sources to nanocarbon material-based light sources. This parameter change enables both high spatial resolution (submicron order) and fast response speed (picosecond to nanosecond order) simultaneously, resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local quality by using nanocarbon materials at the nanoscale level to create a localized light source with superior properties. The nanocarbon material structure provides both the spatial confinement needed for submicron resolution and the rapid response characteristics needed for high-speed measurements, addressing both aspects of the contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If macro-sized blackbody radiation sources are used, then infrared light can be generated, but the light sources cannot be integrated onto a chip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by scaling down the light source dimensions from macro-scale (millimeter order) to nano-scale (submicron order). This dimensional parameter change enables chip integration while maintaining infrared light generation capability, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and object size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical blackbody radiation source with a nanocarbon material-based light source that can be fabricated using semiconductor manufacturing techniques. This substitution enables integration onto chips while maintaining infrared emission functionality, addressing the integration capability contradiction.
3Measurement precision
If conventional infrared light sources are used, then infrared spectroscopy can be performed, but high-speed, time-resolved measurements cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of the light source by using nanocarbon materials that can respond in picosecond to nanosecond timescales. This enables both high-speed measurements and high time resolution simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision in time domain and measurement speed.
4Measurement precision
If submicron spatial resolution is achieved through microspectroscopy using an objective lens, then local analysis capability is improved, but the light source size constraint and diffraction limit prevent further resolution improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by creating a nanoscale light source with dimensions smaller than the diffraction limit. This localized nanocarbon material structure enables submicron spatial resolution without requiring complex objective lens systems, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
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
Achieves a highly time-resolved and space-resolved infrared analysis system that can be integrated onto a chip, allowing for ultra-high spatial resolution and high-speed measurements without the need for expensive laser sources, expanding applicability to bioimaging and biochip analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source having a nanocarbon material as a luminescent material... the nanocarbon material is provided on a surface of a substrate and configured to output a surface-emitted light
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to detect the infrared light emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration of a time and space-resolved infrared spectroscopic analysis which can be integrated onto a chip is provided. An infrared analysis chip includes a substrate in which a microchannel is formed, at least one of a spectroscope and a photodetector integrated onto a first surface of the substrate in an area where the microchannel is formed, and an infrared light source integrated on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the substrate, the infrared light source being positioned facing said at least one of the photodetector and the spectroscope.