Coupled Resonator Optical Sensing for Refractive Index Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical microresonator-based biosensors require high-resolution, expensive wavelength-tunable lasers for measuring refractive index changes, which limits their detection capability and is not suitable for point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing system that includes a light separation element, a first resonator with a changeable effective refractive index, and a second resonator coupled to the first resonator, where the intensity of the sliced light is measured based on the difference between their resonant wavelengths, allowing for the determination of refractive index changes without the need for high-resolution lasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wavelength-scanning method using high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers is used, then measurement precision of resonant wavelength shift is improved, but device cost increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers with inexpensive broadband light sources. This substitution uses a low-cost component (broadband source) to achieve the same measurement function, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device cost by making the system affordable for point-of-care applications while maintaining adequate detection capability through alternative measurement approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wavelength-scanning system with an optical interference-based measurement system. Instead of mechanically tuning laser wavelengths, the system uses broadband light combined with resonator coupling to achieve wavelength-shift detection through intensity measurements, thereby eliminating the need for expensive lasers and simplifying the overall system
2Measurement precision
If wavelength-scanning method using high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers is used, then measurement precision of resonant wavelength shift is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, expensive wavelength-tunable lasers with simple broadband light sources, making the system easier to operate. The broadband source requires no wavelength tuning mechanisms or complex control, allowing straightforward operation while maintaining measurement precision through the resonator coupling approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the broadband light source to naturally provide the full spectrum needed for measurement without requiring active wavelength tuning. The resonators themselves perform the wavelength selection through their resonant properties, eliminating the need for complex laser control systems and simplifying operation
3Measurement precision
If conventional microring resonators are used, then sensitivity to refractive index change is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple microring resonators into a coupled resonator system where the resonators work together to enhance sensitivity. By coupling resonators and using broadband light, the system achieves high refractive index sensitivity comparable to wavelength-scanning methods while using inexpensive components, thus resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and cost
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 enables sensitive detection of refractive index changes with reduced costs and improved suitability for point-of-care applications by using a broadband light source and electro-optic or thermo-optic tuning of the second resonator to match resonant wavelengths, enhancing the system's sensitivity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a light separation element configured to separate an input light into a plurality of sliced lights
Implementation Method 2
a first resonator configured to receive one sliced light of the plurality of sliced lights... a detector configured to measure an intensity of the sliced light, the intensity of the sliced light based on a difference between a resonant wavelength of the first resonator and a resonant wavelength of the second resonator
Implementation Method 3
An effective refractive index of the first resonator may be changeable in response to a change in a refractive index of a cladding of the first resonator
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing system may include a light separation element configured to separate an input light into a plurality of sliced lights and a first resonator configured to receive one sliced light of the plurality of sliced lights. An effective refractive index of the first resonator may be changeable in response to a change in a refractive index of a cladding of the first resonator, a second resonator coupled to the first resonator and a detector configured to measure an intensity of the sliced light, the intensity of the sliced light based on a difference between a resonant wavelength of the first resonator and a resonant wavelength of the second resonator. The difference between a resonant wavelength of the first resonator and a resonant wavelength of the second resonator may be based on the effective refractive index of the first resonator.