Multiplex Fiber Optic Biosensor Using Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic biosensors face inaccuracies in measuring multiple wavelengths due to close wavelength separation, requiring multiple detection units and increasing costs, especially when analyzing samples with multiple analytes.
Innovation Solution
A multiplex fiber optic biosensor using optical fibers with unclad sensing regions coated with noble metal nanoparticle layers, where light sources emit different wavelengths based on timing sequences or carrier frequencies, allowing a single detection unit to analyze particle plasmon resonance signals without the need for a spectrometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light signals of multiple wavelengths are separated via grating, prism, or spectrograph, then different wave bands can be received, but the signals cannot be well-resolved if the wavelengths are too close, resulting in measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from wavelength separation to time/frequency domain discrimination. By assigning different timing sequences or carrier frequencies to different wavelength light sources, the system resolves multiple wavelengths using temporal or frequency parameters instead of spatial separation, achieving high resolution without complex optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical separation system (gratings, prisms, spectrographs) with an electronic control and detection system. The separation function is achieved through electronic timing control and frequency modulation rather than physical optical components, simplifying the device structure while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the quantity of detection units is equal to the quantity of light sources emitting different wavelengths, then each wavelength can be detected accurately, but the total cost of detection units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single detection unit by using time-division or frequency-division multiplexing. The single detection unit sequentially or simultaneously processes signals from multiple light sources based on their assigned timing sequences or carrier frequencies, reducing the total quantity of detection units required while maintaining the ability to accurately detect multiple analytes
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection unit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of detecting signals from multiple different wavelength light sources through time or frequency discrimination. This universal detection unit replaces multiple specialized detection units, reducing system cost and complexity while preserving measurement accuracy for multiple analytes
3Adaptability or versatility
If spectrometer is used for wavelength separation, then multiple wavelengths can be analyzed, but the cost increases inevitably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive spectrometer with a simpler detection system based on time-division or frequency-division multiplexing. Instead of using optical dispersion components to separate wavelengths spatially, the system uses electronic control to assign unique timing sequences or carrier frequencies to each wavelength, allowing a single, lower-cost detection unit to perform multi-analyte analysis with the same versatility as a spectrometer
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 accurate analysis of multiple analytes with a single detection unit, reducing costs and improving sensing sensitivity through the use of noble metal nanoparticle layers and timed or frequency-specific light emission, eliminating the need for multiple detection units and spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
One special property of noble metal nanoparticles, which is 'the free electron cloud on surface of noble metal nanoparticle is excited by electromagnetic field with specific frequency and further responses in collective dipole resonance, but the vivid electron clouds are localized at the nanoparticle,' is called as Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) or called as Particle Plasmon Resonance (PPR)
Implementation Method 2
The absorption variation in evanescent wave of the noble metal nanoparticle plasmon resonance can be accumulated by consecutive multiple total internal reflections along the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplex fiber optic biosensor including an optical fiber, a plurality of noble metal nanoparticle layers, a plurality of light sources and a light source function generator is disclosed. The optical fiber includes a plurality of sensing regions which are unclad regions of the optical fiber so that the fiber core is exposed, wherein the noble metal nanoparticle layers are set in each sensing regions. The light sources emit light with different wavelengths, and the noble metal nanoparticle layers absorb the lights with different wavelengths, respectively. The light sources emit the lights in different timing sequences or different carrier frequencies, wherein when the lights propagate along the optical fiber in accordance with the different timing sequences or the different carrier frequencies, a detection unit detects particle plasmon resonance signals produced by interactions between the different noble metal nanoparticle layers and the corresponding analytes.