Integrated Target Waveguides with Low-NA Free-Space Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for nanoscale sample analysis are complex, costly, and require precise alignment of optical sources with target devices, which is challenging in systems with removable sample holders, and they are not designed for high-intensity optical energy delivery in highly multiplexed analytical systems.
Innovation Solution
Integrated target waveguide devices with low numerical aperture couplers and alignment features allow optical coupling through free space, enabling efficient and reliable alignment and energy delivery to nanoscale samples, even with removable devices, using low numerical aperture couplers and alignment detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical systems with mirrors and prisms are used to direct light, then light can be directed to desired destinations, but the systems become complex, costly, and require significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical optical elements (mirrors, prisms) with integrated optical waveguides that route light through confined pathways. The waveguides use total internal reflection to direct light, eliminating the need for discrete mechanical optical components and reducing system complexity while maintaining light directing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (light routing, filtering, switching) into a single integrated optical circuit substrate. This consolidation of optical elements onto one platform reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall system while preserving comprehensive light manipulation capabilities.
2Reliability
If optical sources are closely and permanently associated with target devices within integrated optical circuits, then coupling efficiency is improved, but the systems are not suited for removable sample holders and require precise alignment that must be maintained during analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into a permanent integrated optical circuit portion and a removable sample holder portion. The waveguides are confined to the integrated circuit substrate, while sample holders can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows high coupling efficiency within each module while enabling versatility through removable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment features as intermediary elements that facilitate coupling between the integrated optical circuit and removable sample holders. These features act as mediators that enable precise alignment without permanent association, allowing reliable optical coupling while maintaining adaptability for removable components.
3Loss of energy
If conventional integrated optical circuits are used, then they can route photons through optical circuits efficiently, but they are not designed to carry the intensity of optical energy necessary for analyzing large numbers of nanoscale samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the waveguide parameters (dimensions, material composition, confinement geometry) to optimize them for high-intensity optical energy transport. By adjusting these physical parameters, the waveguides can carry higher power levels necessary for analyzing large numbers of nanoscale samples while maintaining efficient photon routing and minimizing energy loss.
4Loss of energy
If conventional integrated optical circuits are used, then they can route photons efficiently, but they are not designed for use with optical sources having wavelengths suitable for use in optical systems with standard biological reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures in the waveguides that are optimized for specific wavelength ranges suitable for biological reagents. By using materials with appropriate optical properties (refractive indices, absorption characteristics) tailored to visible and near-infrared wavelengths, the waveguides achieve both efficient photon routing and compatibility with standard biological imaging wavelengths.
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 solution provides efficient optical energy delivery to large numbers of nanoscale samples with high sensitivity and discrimination, reducing alignment difficulties and thermal constraints, while allowing for removable target devices and scalable multiplexing.
Implementation Method 1
integrated waveguide optically coupled to the optical coupler
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated target waveguide devices and optical analytical systems comprising such devices are provided. The target devices include an optical coupler that is optically coupled to an integrated waveguide and that is configured to receive optical input from an optical source through free space, particularly through a low numerical aperture interface. The devices and systems are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices provide for the efficient and reliable coupling of optical excitation energy from an optical source to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination. The devices and systems are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.