Integrated Waveguide Interferometry for Viral Sample Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods, apparatus, and systems for sample testing face challenges related to efficiency and accuracy due to structural limitations, environmental temperature, and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The use of interferometry-based sample testing devices incorporating waveguides, integrated optical components, and beam splitters, along with light sources and imaging components, to detect viral indicators and protein content in samples, utilizing refractive index curve data and machine learning models for sample identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interferometry-based optical testing is used, then measurement precision and detection accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated optical components and waveguide structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, beam splitting, interference detection) into a single integrated optical component that is monolithically integrated with the waveguide structure. This merging of functions maintains high measurement precision while reducing the number of separate components and alignment requirements, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a collimator, beam splitter, and interference detector. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high detection accuracy through interferometry without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thus avoiding the complexity increase that would result from multiple discrete optical elements.
2Measurement precision
If waveguide-based interferometry is implemented, then detection precision of viral indicators is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to integrated optical component fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator and beam splitter are merged into a single integrated optical component that is monolithically fabricated with the waveguide using the same semiconductor manufacturing processes. This integration ensures that all components are manufactured simultaneously with consistent precision, eliminating the need for separate high-precision assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining detection precision.
3Productivity
If integrated optical components are used, then productivity of sample testing is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple optical functions
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical component combines collimation, beam splitting, and interference detection functions into a single monolithic structure that is directly integrated with the waveguide. This merging enables all optical functions to be performed simultaneously in a single testing operation, significantly improving productivity by eliminating the need for sequential operations or multiple separate components, while the integrated nature manages complexity through unified fabrication.
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
Enhances the efficiency and accuracy of sample testing by providing precise detection of viral indicators and protein content through advanced optical and computational methods, improving the reliability of sample identification.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and an integrated optical component... coupled to the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the beam splitter may comprise a polarization beam splitter
Implementation Method 3
utilize interferometry to detect the presence of virus and/or other viral indicator of protein content in a collected sample
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided. For example, an example sample testing device may include a substrate layer defining a bottom surface of the sample testing device, as well as a waveguide disposed on the substrate layer and includes at least one reference channel and at least one sample channel.