Luminescence Sensor Degradation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luminophores in sensor arrays degrade over time, leading to inaccurate detection values due to changes in their response characteristics, making it difficult to distinguish between degradation-induced errors and actual quencher substance concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A method that compensates for luminophore degradation by utilizing both the intensity and phase values of the response radiation, establishing a relationship between these values to determine a degradation-compensated value, which is then used to calculate the correct result value, and an evaluation device to implement this method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the sensor array operates over time, then it can continuously detect quencher substance concentrations, but the luminophore degrades leading to inaccurate detection values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the phase angle parameter of the luminescence signal, which remains stable over time despite luminophore degradation. By switching from intensity-based measurement to phase-angle-based measurement, the system maintains detection accuracy throughout the operational lifetime. The phase angle is extracted from the modulated luminescence signal using signal processing techniques, providing a degradation-resistant measurement parameter.
2Measurement precision
If frequent recalibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but productivity is reduced due to time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic degradation compensation algorithms that continuously adjust measurements based on observed phase angle drift. The evaluation device automatically detects changes in the phase angle characteristic and applies correction factors without requiring manual recalibration. This self-adjusting mechanism maintains detection accuracy while eliminating the need for frequent interruptive recalibration procedures.
3Ease of operation
If intensity-based measurement is used, then the measurement process is simple, but degradation effects cannot be distinguished from actual concentration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional intensity measurement to two-dimensional measurement by incorporating the phase angle dimension. Instead of relying solely on luminescence intensity, the system measures both intensity and phase angle of the modulated signal. This additional dimensional information allows differentiation between intensity changes caused by quencher concentration and those caused by luminophore degradation, as degradation primarily affects phase angle while concentration changes affect both parameters.
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
Accurately determines quencher substance concentrations by minimizing the impact of luminophore degradation with reduced computational effort, ensuring precise results without frequent recalibration.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement operating according to the principle of luminescence quenching comprises a luminophore, an excitation radiation source, and at least one optical sensor. In response to irradiation with a predetermined modulated excitation radiation, the luminophore emits response radiation
Implementation Method 2
in the case of collision quenching, for example, this requires physical contact with the luminophore. Due to the luminescence quenching caused by the quencher substance, a phase angle of a phase shift between the modulated excitation radiation and a thus necessarily modulated response radiation changes depending on the concentration of the quencher substance
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for a degradation-compensated evaluation of detection signals of a sensor arrangement (10) operating according to the principle of luminescence quenching, said sensor arrangement comprising a luminophore (33), an excitation radiation source (46) and an optical sensor (50), wherein, as a reaction to irradiation by a modulated excitation radiation (E1), the luminophore emits a response radiation (E2) depending on the extent of an interaction of the luminophore with a luminescence-quenching quencher substance (Q) and according to a sensor arrangement-typical response characteristic (62, 64, 66, 70, 72, 74), said response radiation being detected by the sensor, wherein the sensor arrangement outputs a detected intensity value and a detected phase value as detection signals, wherein, for an implemented detection of a response radiation, a deviation in terms of magnitude of one of the detected values of detected intensity value and detected phase value is reduced in terms of magnitude according to the stipulation of both the detected intensity value and the detected phase value, said deviation being based on a degradation-based change in the response characteristic at the time of the implemented detection in respect of a reference response characteristic, which is based on a calibration of the sensor arrangement, and hence a degradation-compensated detected value is ascertained, wherein a result value of the implemented detection related to the quencher substance is determined according to the stipulation of a predetermined calibration value relationship, ascertained taking into account the reference response characteristic, on the basis of the degradation-compensated detected value.