Interferometric Sample Testing With Integrated Waveguides and ML
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing devices face inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to structural limitations, environmental temperature variations, and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interferometry-based sample testing devices with integrated optical components, including waveguides, collimators, beam splitters, and lenses, to detect viral indicators and proteins, 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 structural limitations and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical testing systems with an integrated photonic circuit system. The photonic circuit integrates light sources, waveguides, modulators, and detectors on a single chip, eliminating complex external optical alignment mechanisms and mechanical components while achieving high measurement precision through integrated photonic interference detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components (light source, waveguide, modulator, detector, and signal processing circuits) into a single integrated photonic circuit chip. This consolidation maintains device simplicity from a user perspective while enabling high measurement precision through controlled optical interference within the integrated structure
2Reliability
If conventional testing apparatus are employed, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to environmental temperature and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all sensitive optical components within a sealed integrated photonic circuit chip, protecting them from environmental contamination and temperature variations. The chip-scale integration allows for controlled manufacturing environments while ensuring reliable operation in diverse external conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photonic interference effects where optical path length differences create measurable intensity variations. By controlling and measuring these optical parameter changes through integrated detectors, the system achieves reliable detection that is insensitive to external environmental variations
3Measurement precision
If advanced optical components are integrated, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces discrete optical components with their photonic circuit equivalents integrated on a chip. Light sources become integrated laser diodes, waveguides replace optical fibers, modulators become integrated electro-optic devices, and detectors become photodiode arrays, all controlled through electronic signals rather than mechanical adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated photonic circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: light generation, guidance, modulation, interference detection, and signal processing all within a single chip structure. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 compensating for environmental factors and improving the detection of viral indicators and proteins through advanced optical and computational techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and an integrated optical component
Implementation Method 2
the integrated optical component may comprise a collimator and a beam splitter
Implementation Method 3
the integrated optical component may comprise a collimator and a beam splitter
Implementation Method 4
In some examples, the sample testing device may 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.