Microfluidic-Photonic Integrated Circuit for Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems are hindered by the need for expensive and bulky optical components, such as lasers and photomultiplier tubes, which restrict the miniaturization and cost-effectiveness of compact flow cytometers, limiting their accessibility to medical facilities worldwide.
Innovation Solution
The development of a microfluidic-photonic integrated circuit (FPIC) device that integrates optical waveguides with microfluidic channels, allowing for optical interrogation and detection of particles without the need for free-space optics, reducing size and weight, and using a waveguide array structure to enhance detection sensitivity with fewer detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional free-space optics with lasers and photomultiplier tubes are used, then detection sensitivity is achieved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical waveguides with microfluidic channels into an integrated structure where the waveguide core is formed by a first polymer layer and the cladding by a second polymer layer, eliminating the need for separate free-space optical components and reducing device volume while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical optical components (lasers, photomultiplier tubes, free-space optics) with integrated photonic waveguide structures that guide and detect light through the fluid channel, achieving compact size without sacrificing detection capability
2Measurement precision
If conventional free-space optics with lasers and photomultiplier tubes are used, then detection sensitivity is achieved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fluid transport, optical guidance, light detection) into a single integrated polymeric waveguide structure, eliminating the need for expensive separate components and enabling cost-effective manufacturing through integrated fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using polymeric layers with different refractive indices to create the waveguide structure, replacing expensive traditional optical materials and components with cost-effective polymeric alternatives that maintain optical performance
3Measurement precision
If a waveguide array structure is used, then detection sensitivity is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple waveguides arranged in an array, where each waveguide can detect particles independently or in parallel, enhancing overall detection sensitivity through multiple measurement channels while maintaining relatively simple individual waveguide structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional waveguide array structure that simultaneously serves as the fluid channel, optical waveguide, and detection element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced detection capability
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 enables significant size and cost reduction, achieving enhanced detection sensitivity nearly 1000 times that of single-channel devices, allowing for more affordable and compact flow cytometers suitable for broader medical use.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of optical waveguides having respectively a plurality of ends positioned along the fluidic channel, the optical waveguides receiving at least some of the electromagnetic radiation after the electromagnetic radiation has interacted with the at least one particle
Implementation Method 2
a source of electromagnetic radiation arranged to provide the electromagnetic radiation into the fluidic channel to interact with the at least one particle contained within the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A number of fluidic-photonic devices for allowing optical detection, systems employing such devices, and related methods of operation and fabrication of such devices are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the devices can serve as flow cytometry devices and/or employ microfluidic channels. Also, in at least some embodiments, the devices are fluidic-photonic integrated circuit (FPIC) devices that employ both fluidic channels and one or more waveguides capable of receiving and/or delivering light, and that can be fabricated using polymeric materials. The fluidic-photonic devices in at least some embodiments are capable of functionality such as on-chip excitation, time-of-flight measurement, and can experience enhanced fluorescence detection sensitivity. In at least some embodiments, the devices employ detection waveguides that are joined by way of a waveguide demultiplexer. In additional embodiments, a variety of techniques can be used to process information received via the waveguides, including an iterative cross-correlation process.