Light Detection Devices With Integrated Filter Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent-detection protocols and solid-state imaging systems for biological or chemical reactions face challenges such as high costs, large benchtop footprints, and difficulties in fluidically delivering reagents to electronic detectors without risking component corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reaction structure with light sensors and light guides, where the light guides have filter regions to selectively transmit excitation and emission wavelengths, preventing corrosion and allowing efficient detection of fluorescent signals without a large optical assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluorescent-detection protocols with optical systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but device cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical detection systems (lenses, filters, light sources) with solid-state light sensors that directly detect fluorescent emissions. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical optical components, reducing both device footprint and cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid-state light sensors that replicate the detection function of conventional optical systems without requiring the actual optical components. The sensors capture light signals directly, providing a simplified copy of the detection capability that achieves the same analytical results with reduced complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If solid-state light detectors are used, then device footprint is reduced, but fluidic delivery challenges and corrosion risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: a reaction structure area where fluidics occur, and a detection area with solid-state sensors. This segmentation allows fluidic components to be isolated from sensitive electronic detectors, enabling safe reagent delivery while protecting components from corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary spatial arrangement between fluidic pathways and solid-state sensors. This intermediary structure allows optical signals to pass through while preventing direct contact between reagents and electronic components, thus protecting against corrosion while maintaining detection functionality.
3Measurement precision
If filter regions are integrated into light guides, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide function with wavelength filtering by integrating filter regions directly into the light guide structure. This combination allows excitation light to be delivered and emission light to be filtered through the same component, reducing the number of separate optical elements while maintaining wavelength selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers excitation light to reaction sites, collects emitted fluorescent light, and filters specific wavelengths. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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
The solution enables cost-effective, compact, and reliable detection of fluorescent emissions from biological or chemical reactions, preventing corrosion and improving the efficiency of reaction analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of light guides comprises a first filter region formed of a first filter material to filter the excitation light of at least a first wavelength and permit the light emissions of a second wavelength to pass therethrough to the at least one corresponding light sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second filter region formed of a second filter material to filter the excitation light of at least the first wavelength and permit the light emissions of a third wavelength to pass therethrough to the at least one corresponding light sensor
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light guides with input regions to receive the excitation light and the light emissions from at least one corresponding reaction site, the light guides extending into the device base from the input regions toward at least one corresponding light sensor
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of reaction sites that generate light emissions in response to incident excitation light after treatment with the reaction solution
Data Source
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AI summary
Light detection devices and corresponding methods are provided. The devices include a reaction structure to contain a reaction solution and at least one reaction site that generates light emissions in response to incident excitation light after treatment with the reaction solution. The devices also include a plurality of light sensors and device circuitry. The devices further include a plurality of light guides extending toward at least one corresponding light sensor from input regions that receive the excitation light and the light emissions from at least one corresponding reaction recess. The light guides comprise a first filter region that filters the excitation light and permits the light emissions of a first wavelength to pass to the at least one corresponding light sensor, and a second filter region that filters the excitation light and the permits light emissions of a second wavelength to pass to the at least one corresponding light sensor.