Optical Fiber Tip Metallic Dot Array LSPR Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors are expensive, bulky, and difficult to use, making them challenging to deploy in various environments for chemical and biochemical sensing.
Innovation Solution
An LSPR sensing system utilizing an optical fiber with a metallic dot array on its tip, coupled with a light source and spectrometer, which excites surface plasmons and detects changes in absorption peaks to determine the presence and concentration of substances, offering a lightweight and portable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LSPR sensors use planar substrates with metallic dots, then sensing capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar substrate-based LSPR sensors to fiber-optic cable-based sensors. The metallic dots are positioned on the surface of a fiber-optic cable instead of on a flat substrate, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension and form factor of the device. This enables a compact, flexible sensor that can be easily integrated into various environments while maintaining LSPR sensing capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If conventional LSPR sensors use planar substrates, then sensing function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fiber-optic cable as an intermediary substrate that supports the metallic dots. This fiber-optic platform serves as a versatile mediator that can be easily manufactured and integrated into diverse applications. The fiber-optic cable provides a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional planar substrates, enabling simplified manufacturing processes while maintaining the essential sensing function through LSPR of the metallic dots.
3Measurement precision
If conventional LSPR sensors are designed for laboratory use, then sensing accuracy is maintained, but portability and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/Laboratory-based sensor systems with a fiber-optic integrated system. By embedding the metallic dots on a fiber-optic cable, the sensor leverages the inherent flexibility and portability of fiber-optic technology. This substitution enables the sensor to be easily transported and deployed in various locations, including field conditions, while maintaining sensing accuracy through the preserved LSPR 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
The system provides high sensitivity and ease of use, allowing for effective detection of substances in diverse environments that conventional LSPR sensors cannot reach, with improved portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) involves excitation of surface plasmons of nanometer-sized metallic structures, or dots, by light. LSPR for metallic dots is typically used in chemical and biochemical sensing applications in order to provide high sensitivity sensing capabilities. In such applications, a resonant oscillation of the conduction of electrons within the metallic nanostructures gives rise to enhanced scattering and absorption of light.
Implementation Method 2
The spectra position of the light is dependent on the size and shape of the dots, the composition of the dots, and the interaction between the dots and the dielectric environment surrounding the dots. By detecting the spectra position of the light, it is possible to determine which substances make up the dielectric environment surrounding the dots.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. A system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an optical fiber having a metallic dot array on a tip of the optical fiber, a light source coupled to the optical fiber via a light coupler, and a spectrometer coupled to the optical fiber via the coupler. The light source is configured to transmit light within a range of wavelengths along the optical fiber. When the light reaches the dot array, the light excites surface plasmons of the dot array and causes the surface plasmons of the dots to resonate. The dots are chemically functionalized to have a specific affinity for a particular substance, and the resonance frequency of the dots changes when the substance is present thereby changing an absorption peak of the light. The light is reflected back through the optical fiber to the spectrometer, and the spectrometer detects a parameter indicative of a change in the absorption peak. Presence of the particular substance is determined based upon the change in the absorption peak.