Interferometric Waveguide Sample Testing With Reference Channel Compensation
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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, combined with computer-implemented methods for refractive index analysis and deep learning models for sample identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interferometry-based detection with integrated optical components is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (collimator, beam splitter, lens array) directly onto the waveguide substrate, merging separate optical elements into a single integrated structure. This integration maintains the interferometry-based high-precision detection capability while reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting and alignment of individual optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves as an intermediary structure that guides light through the integrated optical components, enabling the complex interferometry detection function to be achieved through a standardized, reusable platform. This mediator approach allows the complex detection functionality to be decoupled from the sample processing interface, maintaining measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If environmental temperature variations and contamination are compensated for, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates reference channels that provide feedback signals for monitoring environmental variations such as temperature changes and contamination. By comparing signals from reference channels with those from sample channels, the system can compensate for environmental disturbances, improving reliability while managing complexity through signal processing rather than additional physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors and compensates for environmental parameters (temperature, contamination levels) by detecting changes in the optical properties of the waveguide and reference structures. This approach allows the system to maintain reliability under varying environmental conditions by adjusting measurements based on detected parameter changes, rather than requiring complex environmental control systems.
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 the detection of viral indicators and proteins, while compensating for environmental variations and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide comprising a substrate layer, a waveguide layer on the substrate layer, and an interface layer on the waveguide layer
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
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.