Deep UV Fluorescence Analyte Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting contaminants in water sources, food, and surfaces are complex, expensive, and time-consuming, often requiring laboratory settings and taking days or weeks to produce results, which can lead to major contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable, point-and-shoot detection system using deep ultraviolet (UV) light to excite analytes, coupled with proprietary algorithms and databases, allowing for quick, non-destructive analysis of water and surface samples to identify and quantify contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but testing time increases to days or weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical laboratory testing procedures with optical detection methods. Specifically, it uses fluorescence spectroscopy where analytes are excited with ultraviolet light and their fluorescent emission is detected, eliminating the need for complex mechanical separation, culturing, and incubation processes that take days or weeks in conventional laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from indirect mechanical/chemical analysis to direct optical measurement. By measuring fluorescence intensity and spectral characteristics, the system achieves rapid quantification of analytes without requiring time-consuming physical or chemical processing steps inherent in traditional methods.
2Measurement precision
If traditional testing equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory systems. It isolates the core measurement capability—detecting fluorescent emission from excited analytes—and implements it in a simplified, portable device that eliminates unnecessary laboratory infrastructure while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection platform that can identify multiple types of analytes (pathogens, chemicals, biomolecules) through a single optical measurement system. The fluorescence spectroscopy method serves multiple detection purposes simultaneously, replacing the need for separate specialized tests for different contaminant types.
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation where the device automatically performs sample analysis through automated optical measurement and digital signal processing. The system handles sample introduction, optical excitation, signal detection, and result interpretation without requiring skilled laboratory personnel, making it accessible to general users while maintaining precision through automated algorithms.
4Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous optical measurement and digital signal processing throughout the rapid detection process. By continuously acquiring fluorescence signals and applying real-time algorithms, the system ensures that speed of detection does not compromise precision—the measurement process remains uninterrupted and analytically rigorous while achieving rapid results.
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
Enables rapid detection of contaminants in seconds, providing real-time biological safety monitoring and preventing unnecessary contamination, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
certain analytes in a medium auto-fluoresce when excited with ultraviolet light (e.g., deep ultraviolet light (deep UV))
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to detecting an analyte in a medium. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems and methods for detecting an analyte in a medium comprising one or more light-emitting diodes, each operating at a single wavelength in a deep ultraviolet (UV) range for excitation of a target in a medium and a plurality of semiconductor photodetectors. The system is configured such that each semiconductor photodetector detects only a subset of emission from the excited analyte in the medium. In some examples, systems and methods of the invention comprise a light-emitting diode and a semiconductor photodetector for detection of the absence or presence of a non-specific contaminant.