Asymmetric Microlens Hydrogel Fiber Optic Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic probes for sensing applications are limited by the need for high-quality films, coherent light sources, bulky equipment, complex fabrication processes, and costly instrumentation, which restrict their practicality, portability, and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic probe is developed with an optical fiber and a sensor component featuring an asymmetric microlens array imprinted on a stimuli-responsive hydrogel, allowing for a simple and cost-effective fabrication process that eliminates the need for high-quality films and complex equipment, enabling sensitive and rapid sensing of various parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fiber optic probes use high-quality films and coherent light sources, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex conventional fiber optic probe components with inexpensive alternatives: standard optical fibers instead of specialized coherent light sources, and simple hydrogel coatings with printed microstructures instead of high-quality films. This achieves comparable sensing precision through cost-effective, easily fabricatable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sensing mechanism from relying on coherent light properties to using intensity-based detection with asymmetric microlens arrays. By printing microstructures directly onto hydrogel coatings on standard optical fibers, the system achieves precise measurements through geometric optics rather than wave optics, simplifying both fabrication and instrumentation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fiber optic probes use coherent light sources and high-quality films, then measurement precision is improved, but the equipment becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for bulky coherent light sources and high-quality film handling equipment by using standard optical fibers with printed hydrogel coatings. The sensing function is achieved through simple intensity detection and geometric microstructures, enabling compact, portable instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex optical systems (coherent light sources, interferometric setups) with a simpler intensity-based detection system using printed asymmetric microlens arrays. This substitution of optical mechanics with geometric optics enables miniaturization and portability while maintaining measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fiber optic probes use complex fabrication processes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the sensing microstructure directly into the coating fabrication process by printing asymmetric microlens patterns onto hydrogel coatings during the coating deposition step. This preliminary integration of the optical structure into the coating process eliminates subsequent complex alignment and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring precise microstructure formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the coating deposition process with the formation of optical microstructures by printing directly onto the hydrogel coating as it is being applied. This merging of coating and structuring operations into a single step simplifies fabrication compared to conventional methods requiring separate film preparation, pattern formation, and assembly steps.
4Measurement precision
If conventional fiber optic probes require complicated output signal processing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric microlens arrays that create distinct spatial light distribution patterns corresponding to different analyte concentrations. These optical contrast changes in the intensity profile are directly readable and require minimal signal processing, unlike conventional interferometric methods that require complex phase analysis and signal reconstruction algorithms.
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 fiber optic probe achieves high sensitivity and rapid response times while being reusable, offering electromagnetic immunity, remote sensing capabilities, and low-volume sample requirements, making it suitable for remote and implantable biosensing applications without the need for expensive instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
an asymmetric microlens array imprinted on a stimuli-responsive hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
stimuli-responsive hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a fiber optic probe comprising an optical fiber, and a sensor component attached to the optical fiber, the sensor component including an asymmetric microlens array imprinted on a stimuli-responsive hydrogel. Embodiments further include a method of fabricating a fiber optic probe comprising depositing a stimuli-responsive hydrogel precursor solution on a substrate mold, the substrate mold including a concave asymmetric microlens array; contacting an end of an optical fiber with the stimuli-responsive hydrogel precursor solution deposited on the substrate mold; and exposing the end of the optical fiber and the stimuli-responsive hydrogel precursor solution to light to form a stimuli-responsive hydrogel sensor imprinted with a convex asymmetric microlens array and attached to the end of the optical fiber. Embodiments further include systems comprising the fiber optic probes.