Dual-Waveguide Optical Sensor for Differential Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting pathogenic germs are inefficient and require complex equipment, limiting their accessibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor with dual waveguides, one functionalized and one non-functionalized, integrated with a cell phone or tablet, uses differential light intensity measurement to detect pathogenic germs in liquid samples, utilizing a substrate with waveguides and coatings to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex equipment is used for detecting pathogenic germs, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated optical sensor chip that includes both a functionalized waveguide for pathogen detection and a reference waveguide for background subtraction, eliminating the need for separate complex detection systems while maintaining high accuracy through differential measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference waveguide as an intermediary element that provides a baseline measurement for differential comparison with the functionalized waveguide, enabling accurate pathogen detection by subtracting background noise and interference from the measurement signal
2Reliability
If complex equipment is used for detecting pathogenic germs, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs self-calibration and automatic background subtraction by comparing measurements from the functionalized and reference waveguides, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and making the system easy to operate while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The reference waveguide is pre-configured with identical structural properties to the functionalized waveguide but without pathogen-specific coatings, providing a pre-established baseline that automatically compensates for environmental variations and operational inconsistencies
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If functionalized coatings are applied to waveguides, then pathogen detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies functionalized coatings only to specific regions of the waveguide where pathogen binding is needed, while leaving other regions uncoated or coated with different materials, enabling selective detection while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through localized functionalization
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 sensor provides reliable and accurate detection of pathogenic germs using a cell phone or tablet, offering a cost-effective and portable solution for pathogen identification.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide (2) having a first measuring point (25) with at least one interruption (3) in the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The first measuring point (25), which belongs to the first waveguide (2), is functionalized by at least one coating (5)
Implementation Method 3
a light detector (62) which is configured to detect light signals exiting the waveguides (2, 4)
Implementation Method 4
Differences in light intensities of the received light signals at one or more wavelengths, may reveal the presence of a pathogenic germ in a liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor has a substrate with first and second sides, one side being provided with first and second waveguides. The first and second waveguides have respective first and second measuring points along their respective lengths, each measuring point includes at least one interruption. The first measuring point, which belongs to the first waveguide, is functionalized by at least one coating while the second measuring point, which belongs to the second waveguide, is not functionalized by that same coating. The functionalized coating may include a substance (e.g., antibody) which corresponds to a pathogenic germ. A light source may simultaneously direct light into both waveguides and a light detector may simultaneously detect light signals exiting the waveguides. Differences in light intensities of the received light signals at one or more wavelengths, may reveal the presence of a pathogenic germ in a liquid sample applied to the first and second measurement points.