Dual Grating Sensor Additive Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical biosensors require expensive measurement instruments, have complex operational steps, and long detection times, and are not suitable for mass production due to high manufacturing costs and mold damage.
Innovation Solution
A dual grating sensor system with two double-sided grating structures on a substrate, where light couples in and out to detect analyte properties, enhancing sensitivity through an additive effect and using a durable mold for cost reduction and simplified production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dual grating sensor uses coupling resonance wavelength detection or angle variation detection, then detection mechanism is established, but measurement requires precise measurement instrument which increases cost and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex measurement instruments and integrates it directly into the grating structure itself. The grating not only couples light but also serves as the detection element, eliminating the need for separate precise measurement instruments for angle and wavelength detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating structure performs multiple functions: it acts as both the light coupling element and the detection element. By making the grating multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate measurement instruments, reducing both cost and operational complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Reliability
If conventional optical biosensor uses prism or single-sided grating for light coupling, then light coupling is achieved, but detection sensitivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light coupling and detection function into two separate gratings: a first grating for coupling light into the waveguide layer and a second grating for coupling light out. This segmentation allows each grating to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving enhanced detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-sided grating to double-sided grating structure, adding a new dimension to the grating design. The double-sided grating enables light to interact with the grating structure from both sides, enhancing the detection sensitivity by utilizing additional spatial dimensions for light coupling and detection.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional grating biosensor uses imprinting, ion etching or holographic methods for manufacturing, then grating structure is formed, but mold is easily damaged reducing usage frequency and increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a master grating template to create multiple copies of the grating structure through a durable molding process. The master template is used to imprint the grating pattern onto multiple substrates, allowing high-precision grating structures to be manufactured repeatedly without damaging the original template, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a master grating template in advance that can be used repeatedly for manufacturing. This preliminary creation of a durable master template allows multiple subsequent gratings to be manufactured with high precision without repeatedly damaging measurement or manufacturing tools, increasing usage frequency and reducing costs.
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
The dual grating sensor system reduces detection time, simplifies operational steps, and lowers production costs while maintaining high sensitivity, making it suitable for mass production and efficient analyte detection.
Implementation Method 1
the light couples into the waveguide layer via the first double-sided grating structure, and couples out of the waveguide layer via the second double-sided grating structure
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide biosensor uses the prism or the single-sided grating as the coupling element to couple the light into the waveguide layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a dual grating sensor having at least two double-sided grating structures for detecting the properties of an analyte. The dual grating sensor includes a substrate, a waveguide layer which is formed on the substrate and has at least two double-sided grating structures, and an upper cover configured on the waveguide layer, wherein a channel is formed between the upper cover and the waveguide layer for the analyte to flow therethrough. A light couples into the waveguide layer via the first double-sided grating structure, transmits in the waveguide layer, and couples out of the waveguide layer via the second double-sided grating structure, such that the properties of the analyte can be detected according to the change of the light intensities of the emergent light. The sensitivity of the dual grating sensor has an additive effect when the light passes through the first double-sided grating structure and the second double-sided grating structure.