Microphotonic Light Emitter Self-Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable microphotonic devices used for opto-electrophysiology and fluorescence sensing face challenges in monitoring and managing localized heating effects, which can lead to tissue damage and inflammatory responses due to the high intensity light required for optogenetic stimulation, and existing temperature sensors increase complexity and cost while potentially providing inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A microphotonic light emitter is used as its own temperature sensor, with a second-generation current conveyor and readout circuitry to accurately determine the surface temperature by measuring reverse current, allowing for self-diagnosis and reducing the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors are integrated into implantable devices, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the light emitter to serve dual purposes: generating light for optogenetic stimulation and sensing temperature through reverse current measurement. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and fabrication costs while maintaining temperature monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitter performs self-diagnosis by using its own reverse current characteristics to determine its operating temperature. This self-service approach removes the dependency on external temperature sensors and simplifies the overall device architecture
2Illumination intensity
If high intensity light is used for optogenetic stimulation, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but localized heating and tissue damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the light emitter's temperature through reverse current measurement and using this information to regulate light emission. The control system adjusts stimulation parameters to maintain temperature within safe limits, preventing tissue damage while preserving stimulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermittent light emission cycles with periodic temperature monitoring. By alternating between stimulation phases and sensing phases, the system allows heat dissipation during non-stimulation intervals, reducing cumulative heating effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
3Measurement precision
If separate temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but sensor failure risk and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter is designed to perform multiple functions including light generation, temperature sensing, and self-diagnosis. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points and improves overall device reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitter monitors its own temperature and operational status, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors that could fail. This self-service mechanism enhances reliability by reducing component count and interconnections that could potentially fail
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 enables accurate and area-efficient temperature monitoring, preventing overheating and reducing the risk of tissue damage, while simplifying the device design and reducing the likelihood of sensor failure, thus ensuring reliable long-term implant functionality.
Implementation Method 1
anodes of the two materials form a junction. The electrical circuit is configured to apply a reverse bias across the light emitter and to measure a reverse current
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A temperature sensor comprising a light emitter, an electrical circuit for applying a reverse bias voltage across the light emitter and for measuring a reverse current, and means for calculating a temperature from the measured reverse current.