Interferometric Waveguide Sample Testing for Reliable Virus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing devices face challenges in efficiently and accurately detecting viral indicators due to structural limitations, environmental temperature variations, and contamination, which affect the accuracy and reliability of virus detection.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sample testing device incorporating an integrated optical component with a waveguide, a collimator, and a beam splitter, along with a micro lens array, which uses interferometry to detect viral indicators by analyzing interference fringe patterns and refractive index changes, coupled with a light source and imaging component for precise identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sample testing devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to structural limitations and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (waveguide, collimator, beam splitter, micro lens array) into an integrated optical system. The waveguide integrates the light path, the collimator integrates beam alignment, the beam splitter integrates reference and sample path separation, and the micro lens array integrates focusing functionality. This merging of functions into a unified optical platform enables interferometric detection with high measurement precision while managing the inherent complexity through systematic integration.
2Reliability
If environmental temperature variations are present, then operational flexibility is maintained, but detection reliability deteriorates due to temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference channel as an intermediary element that experiences the same environmental temperature variations as the sample channel. By comparing the interference patterns between the reference channel (which contains no sample or control sample) and the sample channel, the system can differentiate between temperature-induced changes and actual viral indicator detection. This intermediary reference path compensates for environmental temperature effects, maintaining detection reliability despite temperature fluctuations.
3Measurement precision
If contamination is present, then sample collection flexibility is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to false positive indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or chemical detection methods with optical interferometric detection. Instead of relying on physical separation or chemical reactions that may be affected by contamination, the system uses light interference patterns to detect viral indicators. The interferometric measurement detects refractive index changes caused by viral particles, providing a non-contact, non-destructive measurement method that is less susceptible to contamination interference. The optical detection mechanism substitutes for mechanical sampling and chemical analysis, improving accuracy in contaminated environments.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of virus detection by improving light path alignment and refractive index analysis, enabling precise identification of viral indicators and reducing the impact of environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and an integrated optical component. In some examples, the integrated optical component may be coupled to the waveguide
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. In some examples, the beam splitter may comprise a first prism and a second prism
Implementation Method 4
the sample testing device may comprise a lens component positioned above the interface layer. In some examples, the lens component may at least partially overlap with an output opening of the interface layer in the output light direction
Implementation Method 5
various example methods, apparatuses, and systems may utilize interferometry to detect the presence of virus and/or other viral indicator of protein content in a collected sample
Implementation Method 6
the imaging component may be configured to detect an interference fringe pattern
Data Source
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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.