LSPR Sensor Chip Using Spectral Filter for Compact Molecular Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging surface plasmon resonance apparatuses are bulky and require precise alignment of multiple optical components, making them challenging to manufacture and costly, due to the need for accurate angle alignment of electromagnetic radiation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus excites local surface plasmon resonance in metallic nanoparticles using a spectral filter to sample the spectral resonance curve, allowing for a compact and high-multiplexing system with a two-dimensional array of receptor sites and detectors, eliminating the need for bulky optics and precise angle alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging surface plasmon resonance apparatus uses multiple optical components with precise angle alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of surface plasmon resonance from requiring precise angle control to operating at fixed angles through structural design. The sensor chip and optical components are configured to establish fixed geometric relationships, transforming the system from one requiring dynamic angle adjustment to one operating at predetermined angles, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor chip as an intermediary component that pre-establishes the geometric relationship between optical components. This sensor chip acts as a mediator that fixes the angle of incidence through its physical structure, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms between the light source and detector while ensuring precise measurement conditions
2Measurement precision
If traditional imaging surface plasmon resonance apparatus uses multiple optical components, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components and their alignment requirements into a single integrated sensor chip structure. By combining the sample chamber, optical path, and geometric reference features into one monolithic component, the system transforms from one requiring assembly and alignment of multiple parts to one that can be manufactured as a single unit, dramatically improving ease of manufacture while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses master templates or master sensor chips that encode the precise geometric relationships needed for accurate measurement. These masters serve as copying sources from which multiple identical sensor chips can be replicated through manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent measurement precision across production batches without requiring complex alignment procedures for each individual component
3Measurement precision
If traditional imaging surface plasmon resonance apparatus uses bulky optics for precise angle control, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling the angle of incidence through spatial arrangement of bulky optical components to controlling it through the dimensional geometry of the sensor chip itself. By embedding the angle definition within the chip's physical dimensions rather than requiring external optical benches and positioning systems, the system achieves precise angular control in a miniaturized form factor, reducing device volume while maintaining measurement precision
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 approach results in a compact, cost-effective, and reliable system capable of accurately determining the presence and concentration of target molecules with high multiplexing capabilities, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide arranged to receive at least a portion of incident electromagnetic radiation, divide the electromagnetic radiation and direct a portion of the electromagnetic radiation to each one of a two dimensional array of receptor sites
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of receptor sites comprises a metallic nanostructure... In use, the apparatus excites local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the metallic nanoparticles
Implementation Method 3
uses a spectral filter to sample a spectral resonance curve of the LSPR
Implementation Method 4
a detector comprising a two dimensional array of sensing elements, each sensing element arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation from a different one of the two dimensional array of receptor sites
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining the presence or concentration of target molecules comprises: a radiation source; a surface; a waveguide; a detector; and a spectral filter. The radiation source is operable to produce electromagnetic radiation. The surface defines a two dimensional array of receptor sites. The waveguide is arranged to receive the electromagnetic radiation produced by the radiation source, divide the electromagnetic radiation and direct a portion of the electromagnetic radiation to each one of a two dimensional array of receptor sites. The detector comprises a two dimensional array of sensing elements, each sensing element arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation from a different one of the two dimensional array of receptor sites. The spectral filter is provided between the surface and the detector.