Dual-Microring Resonator Optical Sensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensing systems, particularly silicon optical microresonator-based biosensors, face limitations in detecting refractive index changes due to the need for high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers, which are expensive and unsuitable for point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing system utilizing a dual-microring resonator configuration where one resonator serves as a sensing element and the other as a tracing element, allowing for electrical tuning to align optical resonant frequencies and determine refractive index changes without requiring wavelength-scanning methods, using a broadband light source and voltage/current adjustments.
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 resonance wavelength shift is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference resonator that copies the structure and resonant properties of the sensing resonator. This reference resonator serves as a simplified model to track resonance shifts without requiring complex wavelength scanning, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through differential measurement between the sensing and reference resonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical wavelength-scanning system with an electrical tuning mechanism. By applying voltage to adjust the resonant frequency of the reference resonator, the system substitutes complex optical scanning hardware with simpler electrical control, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure resonance wavelength shifts accurately.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers are used, then detection limit is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference resonator copies the essential resonant characteristics of the sensing resonator, enabling differential measurement that achieves high detection limits without requiring expensive high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers. The copying approach allows use of lower-cost light sources while maintaining sensitivity through the differential detection scheme.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from absolute wavelength shift detection to differential frequency tracking between two resonators. This parameter change enables the use of less expensive broadband light sources and electrical tuning mechanisms instead of costly high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection limit performance.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength-scanning method is used, then sensitivity to refractive index change is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The reference resonator provides a simplified operational approach by serving as a tunable reference that can be electrically adjusted to match the sensing resonator's frequency. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex wavelength scanning operations, making the system easier to operate while maintaining sensitivity through differential measurement of the two resonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical/optical wavelength-scanning operation with simple electrical voltage adjustment of the reference resonator. This substitution dramatically simplifies the operation procedure - users only need to apply voltage to tune the reference resonator frequency, rather than operating complex wavelength-scanning equipment, while maintaining sensitivity through the electrical tuning mechanism.
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 eliminates the need for high-resolution wavelength-tunable lasers, reducing costs and enabling cost-effective, portable optical sensing with enhanced sensitivity and detection limits comparable to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
measuring sharp resonance wavelength shift
Implementation Method 2
a second resonator to which a current or voltage being adjustable in response to a change in the effective refractive index of the first resonator is applied
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical sensing system is provided. The optical sensing system includes a resonator arrangement including a first resonator, wherein an effective refractive index of the first resonator is changeable in response to a change in a refractive index of a cladding of the first resonator, and a second resonator to which a current or voltage being adjustable in response to a change in the effective refractive index of the first resonator is applied, wherein the optical sensing system is configured to determine the change in the effective refractive index of the first resonator based on a change in the current or voltage applied to the second resonator. Further embodiments provide a method of determining a change in an effective refractive index of a resonator of an optical sensing system.