Microelectronic Sensor Device Using Magnetic Actuation for Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting target particles bound to a carrier surface face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and accuracy due to the small variation of a large base signal, making it difficult to obtain robust and accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A microelectronic sensor device comprising a sensor unit, an actuation unit, and an evaluation module that induces movement of bound target particles within a sensitive region, allowing for correlated measurement and evaluation of sensor signals, utilizing magnetic fields and optical measurements with frustrated total internal reflection to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to measure target particles bound to a carrier surface, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision is poor because the signal of interest is only a small variation of a large base signal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the previously static target particles dynamic by inducing oscillatory movement through magnetic field actuation. This dynamic approach allows the particles to modulate the optical signal, converting a static small variation measurement into a dynamic modulated signal that can be detected with higher precision using lock-in amplification techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic oscillatory movement of target particles through magnetic field actuation. This periodic action modulates the optical signal at a specific frequency, enabling the use of frequency-selective detection methods (lock-in amplification) to extract the target signal from the large base signal with high precision while rejecting noise and interference.
2Reliability
If a light beam is directed through a transparent material to detect target particles at the surface, then the detection can be performed with simple optical equipment, but the reliability is poor due to limitations in electronic gain that can be applied on the total signal
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic oscillatory movement of target particles modulates the optical signal at a specific frequency. This frequency modulation enables the use of lock-in amplification techniques that can selectively amplify the modulated signal while rejecting noise and interference at other frequencies, thereby improving measurement reliability without requiring excessive electronic gain on the total signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces magnetic field actuation as an intermediary mechanism to induce particle movement. This intermediary approach converts the detection problem from directly measuring small optical variations to measuring the dynamics of particle movement, which modulates the optical signal in a detectable manner and improves measurement robustness.
3Measurement precision
If target particles are moved by external fields to improve detection, then the sensitivity can be enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional actuation and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces direct mechanical manipulation of particles with magnetic field actuation. This substitution allows for contactless, precise control of particle movement through externally applied magnetic fields, enhancing detection sensitivity while avoiding the mechanical complexity of direct physical manipulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of target particles from static to dynamically oscillating by applying time-varying magnetic fields. This parameter change (from stationary to moving) enables the particles to modulate the optical signal, significantly enhancing detection sensitivity through frequency-based signal extraction methods.
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 device enables more accurate and robust detection of target particles by correlating sensor signals with induced movement, improving sensitivity and accuracy by modulating particle movement and light signals to distinguish target effects from background noise.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit is configured for optically detecting target particles in a sensitive region of the sensor unit, wherein the target particles are detected through frustrated total internal reflection of an input light beam at a binding surface
Implementation Method 2
The actuation unit applies the suited effect to achieve the desired movement of target particles, for example vibrations of the target particles induced by externally applied magnetic forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device for the examination of target particles (1) that are bound to binding sites (3) at the binding surface (12) of a carrier (11). In a preferred embodiment, an input light beam (Ll) is transmitted into the carrier (11), where a frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) takes place at the binding surface (12). The amount of light in a resulting output light beam (L2) is detected by a light detector (31) and provides information about the presence of target particles at the binding surface. Moreover, an actuation unit (50) induces movements of the bound target particles (1) by an interaction with a magnetic field (B) or an electric field, particularly with a given modulation frequency (COIn), such that by a demodulation of the detector signal (S) effects of the target particles can be distinguished from background.