Integrated Mid-IR Analysis Device for Compact Blood Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Noninvasive blood substance concentration measurement using mid-infrared wavelengths requires a higher light source output, making it difficult to downsize the light source.
Innovation Solution
Integration of quantum cascade lasers and detectors with photonic crystal layers on a substrate, allowing for high-output, surface-emitting lasers and detectors with enhanced sensitivity, and integration of these components with a wiring part on a compact substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a higher light source output is used to measure blood concentration in blood vessels, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light detector into a single integrated device, with both components located on the same substrate. This merging allows the system to achieve high measurement sensitivity through the combination of high-output light source and sensitive detector while maintaining a compact overall device size, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs surface-emitting quantum cascade lasers that emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. This dimensional change in light emission direction enables compact device design while maintaining the necessary light output intensity for blood vessel measurement, as the light travels through a short path within the tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If quantum cascade lasers are used for mid-infrared wavelength measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the quantum cascade laser, light detector, and wiring part on a single substrate, merging multiple complex components into one unified device. This integration maintains the advanced mid-infrared measurement capability while reducing overall device complexity through consolidated design and simplified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the light source, supports the light detector, provides electrical connections through wiring parts, and acts as a structural platform. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and interconnection components.
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 a compact, high-sensitivity, noninvasive analysis device capable of accurately measuring blood glucose levels with reduced energy consumption and size, suitable for integration into portable terminals.
Implementation Method 1
The light-emitting layers emit light due to intersubband transitions of electrons
Implementation Method 2
The light that is emitted by the light-emitting layer resonates due to the photonic crystal layer in directions along the surface of the light-emitting layer and is emitted in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis device includes a substrate including a first surface, and a second surface positioned at a side opposite to the first surface; a light source part located at the first surface of the substrate, the light source part including a quantum cascade laser; a light detector located at the first surface of the substrate; and a wiring part located at the first surface of the substrate, the wiring part being electrically connected with the light source part and the light detector.