Microfluidic Light Extraction Apparatus for Multi-Wavelength Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic chip technologies face limitations in simultaneously detecting multiple substances effectively and efficiently using optical detection methods, particularly due to challenges in light management and wavelength separation for accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic apparatus incorporating a light extraction apparatus with a light guide plate and multiple light extractors that receive and totally reflect light of different wavelengths, allowing for simultaneous detection of substances by separating and directing specific wavelength ranges to photosensors for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources of different colors are used for detecting multiple substances, then the detection capability and analytical accuracy are improved, but the light management complexity and device structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources of different colors into a single microfluidic chip device, integrating them with multiple photosensors and a light guide plate to form a unified detection system. This merging approach enables simultaneous multi-substance detection while managing light paths through integrated optical components, resolving the contradiction between enhanced detection capability and increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions: it guides light from multiple light sources, separates different wavelength ranges, and directs light to corresponding photosensors. This multi-functional design allows a single component to handle complex light management tasks, improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If light of different wavelengths is used for simultaneous detection of multiple substances, then the productivity and analysis speed are improved, but the difficulty of separating and directing specific wavelength ranges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific wavelength ranges to specific regions of the light guide plate and corresponding photosensors. Each light source emits light of a specific color (wavelength range), and the light guide plate is designed with corresponding light extraction portions that direct specific wavelength ranges to dedicated photosensors. This localized wavelength-specific detection simplifies the wavelength separation task and enables rapid simultaneous detection of multiple substances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photosensors are used for detecting different wavelength ranges, then the versatility and detection range are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple light sources and photosensors in a planar configuration on the microfluidic chip, utilizing two-dimensional spatial arrangement to accommodate multiple detection channels. The light guide plate is designed with multiple light extraction portions at different locations, each corresponding to a specific photosensor. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple photosensors to be integrated without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as all components can be fabricated in a planar structure.
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
Enables effective, rapid, and accurate detection of multiple substances by optimizing light management and wavelength separation, enhancing the analytical capabilities of microfluidic chips for biological, chemical, and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light extraction apparatus with a light guide plate and multiple light extractors that receive and totally reflect light of different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic apparatus is provided. The microfluidic apparatus includes a base substrate; a microfluidic device on the base substrate and including a plurality of micro fluidic channels; a plurality of light sources of different colors respectively emitting light of different wavelength ranges; a light extraction apparatus for extracting light respectively from the plurality of light sources of different colors and a plurality of photosensors. The light extraction apparatus includes a light guide plate having a plurality of light incident portions for respectively receiving light respectively incident from the plurality of light sources of different colors, the plurality of light incident portions being on a side of the light guide plate away from the microfluidic device; and a plurality of light extractors on the light guide plate.