Multi-material Pillar Sensor for Fluid Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photonic sensor systems are limited in their ability to detect multiple analyte fluid components due to their reliance on single-material nanostructures, which restricts their capability to sense a range of gases and biological species effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a layer assembly comprising plural layers of different materials, including metallic and dielectric materials, formed into individual pillars or nanoparticles, which are etched to create gaps and open regions for interaction with fluids, allowing for the detection of multiple analyte components based on spectral responses to illuminating light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-material nanostructures are used, then fabrication is simplified, but detection capability for multiple analyte components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite nanostructures comprising multiple materials (e.g., semiconductor cores with metallic shell layers, or combinations of different sensing materials) to enable simultaneous detection of multiple analyte components. Each material contributes specific sensing properties, allowing the single nanostructure to detect various gases and biological species through their distinct spectral responses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs single sensing elements with multi-functional capabilities by integrating multiple sensing materials within one nanostructure. This universal sensing element can detect multiple types of analytes (chemical and biological) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate single-material sensors for each target
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are integrated into sensing nanostructures, then detection capability for multiple analytes is enhanced, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary structuring where core nanostructures are first formed with defined geometries and materials, followed by sequential deposition of additional functional layers. This preliminary action establishes the base structure before adding sensing materials, simplifying the overall multi-material fabrication process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the fabrication process into distinct stages: forming the core nanostructure, depositing intermediate layers, and adding outer sensing layers. Each segment can be optimized independently, and the segmented approach allows for modular integration of different materials with specific functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaps and open regions are created in nanostructures, then interaction with fluid analytes is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates porous structures and controlled gaps within the nanostructure framework, allowing fluid analytes to penetrate and interact with the sensing materials throughout the structure. The porous design maintains structural integrity while maximizing surface area and fluid access for enhanced detection capability
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 system accurately detects multiple analyte fluid components within a fluid using a single type of sensing element, enabling the identification of various gases, vapors, and biological species, enhancing the detection capabilities beyond single-species sensing.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for the detection of multiple analyte components based on spectral responses to illuminating light
Implementation Method 2
Photonic sensor systems are used to provide optical and electrical detection methods of various gases
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a sensing element having a section of a layer assembly deposited onto a substrate. The layer assembly includes plural layers of different materials. The section of the layer assembly is configured to be etched to form plural individual pillars of the plural layers of the different materials. The individual pillars are configured to be in contact with a fluid to sense one or more analyte fluid components within the fluid. The sensing element is configured to generate a sensor signal responsive to the individual pillars being in contact with the fluid. The sensor system includes one or more processors configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensing element. The one or more processors may identify the one or more analyte fluid components within the fluid and an amount of each of the analyte fluid components within the fluid based on the sensor signal.