Faceted Sensor Structure for Biomolecular Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-based sensor systems for biomolecular detection are complex and costly, making them impractical for routine diagnostics and biohazard monitoring due to their reliance on complex optics and high cost.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus featuring a crystalline composition with a faceted structure array, where the faceted structure is disposed on a substrate with a sensor layer that interacts with target species, modulating radiation emission in response to their presence, allowing for detection through changes in emission patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light-based sensor systems with complex optics are used for biomolecular detection, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex optical routing components from the sensor system. By using a planar light-emitting structure integrated directly with the sensor layer, the invention removes the need for separate lenses, mirrors, and optical pathways that characterize conventional light-based sensors, thereby achieving detection capability without the associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the light-emitting function and the sensing function into a single integrated planar structure. The light-emitting layer and sensor layer are combined in a unified planar configuration, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability
2Reliability
If conventional light-based sensor systems with complex optics are used for biomolecular detection, then detection capability is achieved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive complex optical routing components from the sensor system. By using a planar light-emitting structure integrated directly with the sensor layer, the invention removes the need for separate lenses, mirrors, and optical pathways that characterize conventional light-based sensors, thereby achieving detection capability without the associated high costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a planar light-emitting structure that can be manufactured using low-cost fabrication techniques such as sputtering or evaporation. This approach replaces expensive precision optical components with inexpensive planar layers that can be produced at scale, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining detection capability
3Reliability
If complex optical routing is used to route light to probe interaction zone, then light-based detection is achieved, but device complexity and impracticality for routine diagnostics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex optical routing infrastructure from the detection system. By implementing a planar light-emitting structure with integrated sensor layers, the invention removes the need for complex light routing mechanisms, making the system simpler and more suitable for routine diagnostic applications
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the light generation and detection functions into a single planar integrated structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate optical routing components and simplifies the overall system architecture, enhancing ease of operation and practicality for routine diagnostics
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 simplifies biomolecular detection by reducing complexity and cost, enabling efficient and practical monitoring of target species through modulated radiation emission, improving diagnostic capabilities and biohazard detection.
Implementation Method 1
directing a first radiation to a faceted structure capable of responding to the first radiation by emitting a second radiation
Implementation Method 2
The second radiation is modulated in the presence of a first target species
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an article and a detector. The article includes a substrate, a faceted structure disposed on the substrate, and a sensor layer disposed on the faceted structure. The faceted structure is disposed on the substrate first surface and itself has a surface. The faceted structure surface has peripheral edge defining a diameter of the faceted structure surface. The sensor layer is disposed on the faceted structure surface. The sensor layer can react or can interact with a target species when the target species is sufficiently proximate to the sensor layer. The sensor layer responds to the reaction or to the interaction in a detectable manner. The detector detects a response to the reaction, or to the interaction, of the target species with the sensor layer.