CMOS Pixel Sensor Layout for Multiple Reaction Site Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CMOS sensors struggle to distinguish signals from multiple clusters on a single pixel, limiting information density and increasing the cost per gigabyte of sequencing data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a CMOS sensor design with two reaction sites per pixel, where one reaction site has a filter to attenuate the signal, allowing for differentiated signal strengths from each cluster, enabling accurate analyte identification using amplitude analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple clusters are placed on a single pixel to increase information density, then the cost per gigabyte of sequencing data decreases, but the ability to distinguish signals from adjacent clusters becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each nanowell have distinct optical properties through selective placement of attenuating filters. Each nanowell is configured with specific filter characteristics (absorption coefficient, thickness) that create unique signal attenuation patterns, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple clusters on a single pixel based on their individual signal characteristics rather than treating them uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuating filter acts as an intermediary element between the nanowell and the pixel sensor. By introducing this intermediate component with specific optical properties, the system modulates the signal from each cluster before it reaches the detector, creating distinguishable signal patterns that enable accurate identification of multiple analytes on a single pixel.
2Productivity
If multiple reaction sites are placed over a single pixel to increase information density, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reaction sites (nanowells) with distinct filter configurations onto a single pixel substrate. By combining multiple functional elements (nanowells, filters, and pixel sensors) into an integrated structure, the system achieves high information density while managing complexity through unified fabrication processes and compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the complexity of multiple reaction sites by utilizing the vertical dimension through stacked nanowells and filters above the pixel sensor. Instead of spreading multiple reaction sites horizontally across adjacent pixels, the system stacks them vertically, allowing multiple analytes to be detected on a single pixel through differential signal attenuation in the vertical optical path.
3Measurement precision
If signal attenuation filters are added to differentiate cluster signals, then measurement precision improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves signal differentiation by varying optical parameters (absorption coefficient, filter thickness, material composition) of the attenuating filters rather than relying solely on precise geometric positioning. By adjusting these manufacturable parameters, the system creates distinct signal patterns with relatively standard fabrication tolerances, balancing measurement precision with manufacturing feasibility.
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 increases information density by up to twice, reducing the cost per gigabyte of sequencing data and enabling accurate analyte identification through modulated signal strengths.
Implementation Method 1
A filter may reside between the first reaction site and the single pixel, and not between the second reaction site and the single pixel. The filter attenuates a cluster signal emitted from the first reaction site.
Data Source
AI summary
There is set forth herein, in one example, an apparatus. The apparatus can comprise, for example: a first reaction site and a second reaction site over a single pixel. There is set forth herein, in one example, a method. The method can include, for example: detecting a signal emitted from a first reaction site and a second reaction site; determining the identity of a first analyte of interest in a first reaction site using an amplitude of the detected signal; and determining the identity of a second analyte of interest in a second reaction site using the amplitude of the detected signal.