Microscale Thermocouple Probe Cantilever Intracellular Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intracellular temperature measurement are plagued by inaccuracy and an inability to measure temperature changes below 1 K or transient temperatures over short time scales, particularly due to the masking effect of the cell wall and cytoplasm.
Innovation Solution
A microscale thermocouple probe with a cantilever structure and a thermocouple junction formed by two conductive lines on a suspended portion, designed for high spatial resolution and rapid response, calibrated using an on-chip process in a vacuum cryostat to minimize calibration errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing non-invasive and invasive methods are used for temperature measurement, then temperature can be measured, but accuracy is poor and temperature changes below 1 K cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into a microscale thermocouple structure with dimensions of several micrometers, separating the measurement function from the bulk support structure. This segmentation enables the probe to have minimal thermal mass while maintaining structural integrity through the cantilever design with suspended portion
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes parameter changes at the microscale level, with thermocouple junction dimensions of several micrometers, to achieve both high measurement precision for sub-1K temperature changes and minimal thermal mass. The cantilever structure with specific geometric parameters enables rapid thermal response
2Speed
If existing temperature probes are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but response time is too slow to capture transient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented with a suspended portion that minimizes thermal mass while maintaining structural support. The microscale thermocouple junction is separated from the bulk substrate through this suspended design, enabling rapid thermal response to transient temperature changes
Solution Approach 2:
The cantilever structure with suspended portion provides dynamic thermal response characteristics, allowing the probe to rapidly adapt to temperature changes. The minimal thermal mass of the suspended structure enables the probe to capture transient temperatures with response times of ≤40 μs
3Manufacturing precision
If larger probes are used for temperature measurement, then structural stability is improved, but spatial resolution decreases due to masking by cell wall and cytoplasm
Solution Approach 1:
The probe transitions to microscale dimensions (several micrometers) in all spatial dimensions, enabling insertion through cell structures and positioning within intracellular compartments. This dimensional reduction achieves subcellular spatial resolution while the cantilever design provides structural stability through its suspended configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The probe exhibits local quality with the thermocouple junction positioned at the tip of the suspended portion, concentrating the measurement function at the distal end. This localized measurement point achieves high spatial resolution for intracellular thermometry while the cantilever structure provides overall stability
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 precise intracellular temperature measurements with sub-microscale spatial resolution and response times of ≤40 μs, overcoming previous limitations in accuracy and temporal resolution.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature-dependent voltage generated at the thermocouple junction
Data Source
AI summary
A microscale thermocouple probe for intracellular temperature measurements comprises a cantilever structure including a suspended portion extending from a support, where the suspended portion includes first and second conductive lines on a surface thereof. The first and second conductive lines extend along the surface and meet at a tip of the suspended portion to define a thermocouple junction.