Luminescence Sensor Wire Grids Polarization Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior luminescence sensors face challenges in separating excitation and luminescence radiation due to similar wavelengths, leading to inefficient use of excitation radiation and suppression of luminescence detection, particularly with apertures and slits that allow background radiation to pass through, resulting in a suboptimal signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A luminescence sensor comprising a first and second wire grid with slits and wires oriented perpendicularly, where excitation radiation is polarized to be suppressed by one grid but not the other, creating sub-wavelength apertures for efficient luminescence generation and automatic separation of excitation and luminescence radiation, enhancing the signal-to-background ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sub-wavelength apertures are used to separate excitation and luminescence radiation, then background luminescence is suppressed, but excitation radiation is suppressed before reaching luminophores and luminescence is suppressed before reaching the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single aperture structure into two separate wire grids positioned at different locations. The first wire grid is positioned to suppress background luminescence while the second wire grid is positioned to allow excitation radiation to reach luminophores and luminescence to reach the detector, thereby segmenting the functions that were previously conflicting in a single aperture structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces polarized excitation radiation as an intermediary mechanism to control which wire grid suppresses which type of radiation. By adjusting the polarization direction, the system mediates between the need to suppress background luminescence and the need to allow excitation and luminescence radiation to pass through the wire grids
2Productivity
If slits are used instead of apertures to allow one polarization to travel through, then at least 50% of generated luminescence reaches the detector, but also 50% of background radiation transmits through the slits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the background suppression function and luminescence detection function into two separate wire grids positioned at different locations. The first wire grid specifically targets background luminescence suppression while the second wire grid optimizes luminescence detection, thereby resolving the trade-off present in single slit structures where both functions compete for the same aperture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different functional qualities to different parts of the system: the first wire grid is optimized for background suppression while the second wire grid is optimized for luminescence detection. This local differentiation of function allows each grid to perform its specific role optimally without compromising the other function
3Measurement precision
If excitation radiation is suppressed by wire grids to separate radiation types, then automatic separation of excitation and luminescence is achieved, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the wire grids multi-functional by designing them to simultaneously perform polarization-dependent suppression and spatial separation functions. The grids not only filter radiation based on polarization but also spatially separate excitation and luminescence paths, thereby reducing the need for additional alignment mechanisms and simplifying the overall system alignment requirements
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 achieves a high signal-to-noise ratio by ensuring efficient excitation and detection of luminescence radiation, with the excitation volume being below the diffraction limit and automatic separation of excitation and luminescence, while suppressing background radiation, making the sensor easy to align and use.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation radiation is polarized such that it is substantially suppressed by one of the at least first and second wire grid and is substantially not suppressed by the other of the at least first and second wire grid
Implementation Method 2
creating sub-wavelength apertures for efficient luminescence generation
Implementation Method 3
automatic separation of excitation and luminescence radiation
Implementation Method 4
excitation radiation is reflecting on the sub-wavelength apertures or slits, because they are too small to be seen by the radiation
Implementation Method 5
luminescence, e.g. fluorescence, is generated by luminophores present in the apertures or slits
Implementation Method 6
The amount of bound analyte may be detected by luminescence, e.g. fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a sub-wavelength luminescence sensor, such as e.g. a luminescence biosensor or a luminescence chemical sensor, comprising at least two wire grids (1, 2) positioned perpendicular with respect to each other. The luminescence sensor, in which the excitation radiation is efficiently used and the luminescence radiation is efficiently detected, has an improved signal-to-noise ratio and a separated excitation and luminescence radiation.