Defect Nanoparticle Liquid Sensor with Optical Tweezers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors that measure properties of liquids often cause unintended changes in the liquid and have poor sensitivity and spatial resolution due to the use of probes or electrodes.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that includes a defect nanoparticle, a tweezer source to manipulate the nanoparticle, a light source for optical excitation, an RF source for radio frequency excitation, and an optical detector to measure the optical signal emitted by the nanoparticle, allowing for the determination of liquid properties without physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If probes or electrodes are used to measure liquid properties, then measurement can be performed, but the liquid property/state/status changes unexpectedly and spatial resolution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidliquid property change

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical probes and electrodes with optical detection methods. Defect nanoparticles (such as NV centers in diamond) are used as sensing elements that can be manipulated by optical tweezers and detected through optical signals, eliminating the need for physical contact with the liquid and thus avoiding contamination and property changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical signals (probes/electrodes) to optical signals (defect nanoparticle luminescence). By using optical tweezers to manipulate defect nanoparticles and detecting their optical emission, the system achieves high spatial resolution without the harmful effects of electrical probes on the liquid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If probes or electrodes are used to measure liquid properties, then measurement can be performed, but sensitivity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidliquid property change

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical probes and electrodes with optical detection methods. Defect nanoparticles (such as NV centers in diamond) are used as sensing elements that can be manipulated by optical tweezers and detected through optical signals, eliminating the need for physical contact with the liquid and thus avoiding contamination and property changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces defect nanoparticles as intermediary sensing elements between the measurement system and the liquid. These nanoparticles serve as mediators that can be manipulated and detected optically, providing high sensitivity measurements without direct interaction between the measurement apparatus and the liquid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a fixed location probe is used, then measurement is simple, but spatial resolution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed-location probes to dynamic defect nanoparticles that can be manipulated by optical tweezers. The defect nanoparticles can be moved to different positions in the liquid, enabling spatially resolved measurements while maintaining operational simplicity through automated optical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical probes and electrodes with optical detection methods. Defect nanoparticles (such as NV centers in diamond) are used as sensing elements that can be manipulated by optical tweezers and detected through optical signals, eliminating the need for physical contact with the liquid and thus avoiding contamination and property changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 non-invasive, high-sensitivity measurement of liquid properties such as temperature, magnetic fields, and electric fields, improving spatial resolution and avoiding disruptions to the liquid.

Implementation Method 1

a tweezer source configured to manipulate a defect nanoparticle in a liquid to a desired position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical tweezers: Optical Tweezers

Implementation Method 2

a light source configured to optically excite the defect nanoparticle in the liquid at the desired position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical excitation: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

an RF excitation source configured to RF excite the defect nanoparticle in the liquid at the desired position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF excitation: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Implementation Method 4

an optical detector configured to receive an optical signal emitted from the optically excited defect nanoparticle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250130296A1Dynamical liquid sensors

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A sensor includes a tweezer source configured to manipulate a defect nanoparticle in a liquid to a desired position in an enclosure containing the liquid and a light source configured to optically excite the defect nanoparticle in the liquid at the desired position. The sensor also includes a radio frequency (RF) excitation source configured to RF excite the defect nanoparticle in the liquid at the desired position and an optical detector configured to receive an optical signal emitted from the optically excited defect nanoparticle.