Interferometric Sample Testing With Reference Path Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing devices face challenges due to structural limitations, environmental temperature variations, and contamination, affecting efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of interferometry-based sample testing devices with integrated optical components, including waveguides, collimators, beam splitters, and lenses, to detect viral indicators and proteins in samples, combined with computer-implemented methods for refractive index analysis and machine learning models for sample identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sample testing methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to environmental temperature variations and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (waveguide, collimator, beam splitter, lens array, imaging component) into an integrated optical system. The waveguide integrates sample introduction, light interaction, and detection functions, while the lens array integrates multiple lens elements into a single component that directs light across different optical paths. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference path that does not contact the sample, serving as a mediator to compensate for environmental variations. The reference optical path travels through the same optical components (beam splitter, lens array, waveguide) but without sample interaction, allowing differential measurement that eliminates common-mode environmental noise and improves detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If integrated optical components are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into integrated components: the waveguide integrates sample handling and light guidance, the lens array combines multiple lens elements into one piece, and the beam splitter integrates reflection and transmission paths. This merging maintains high reliability while controlling complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are designed with multi-functionality: the waveguide serves both as a sample container and light guidance path, the lens array both focuses light and defines optical paths, and the beam splitter simultaneously creates reference and sample paths. This universality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If environmental compensation is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A reference optical path is introduced as an intermediary that experiences environmental variations without sample interaction. This reference path serves as a mediator to measure and compensate for environmental effects (temperature, vibration) by comparing it differentialially with the sample path, improving environmental stability without requiring active compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through differential measurement between reference and sample paths. The imaging component captures interference patterns from both paths, and the system uses this feedback information to compensate for environmental variations, maintaining measurement precision through passive environmental compensation.
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 accuracy and efficiency of sample testing by improving detection of viral indicators and proteins, while compensating for environmental variations and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and an integrated optical component... The waveguide may comprise a waveguide layer and an interface layer having a sample opening
Implementation Method 2
the integrated optical component may comprise a collimator and a beam splitter... the beam splitter may comprise a first prism and a second prism
Implementation Method 3
the integrated optical component may comprise a collimator and a beam splitter... the collimator may be attached to a second oblique surface of the first prism
Implementation Method 4
the imaging component may be configured to detect an interference fringe pattern
Implementation Method 5
a lens array disposed on the first surface... the at least one optical lens may comprise at least one prism lens
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided.