Multiplexed Optical Sensor Chip Using Frequency Comb Radiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplexed sensing technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed processing rates, particularly in biosensing applications, where a large number of sensing events are required for accurate sample characterization, and existing solutions are either impractical or inefficient, especially when dealing with high densities of sensing sites.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing a frequency comb radiation source and integrated optical resonator elements on a sensor chip, allowing for efficient multiplexed sensing across multiple sites with a single light source, enabling high-throughput analysis by using a semiconductor platform like silicon photonics and off-the-shelf optical instrumentation for Fourier-domain read-out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of sensing sites on a microfluidic chip is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing sites are integrated onto a single microfluidic chip, combining multiple sensing functions into one device. This allows simultaneous detection at multiple locations, increasing throughput while managing complexity through integration rather than using separate devices for each sensing site
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed to perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously across different sites, with each site capable of detecting different analytes or parameters. This multi-functionality enables high productivity from a single device without requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement
2Measurement precision
If a separate sensor is provided for each sensing site to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip is divided into multiple distinct sensing sites, each with its own dedicated sensor element. This segmentation allows each sensing site to be optimized for specific measurements, maintaining high measurement precision while organizing complexity into manageable modular units across the chip
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensing site on the chip is equipped with sensor elements tailored to its specific detection requirements, allowing local optimization of measurement precision for different analytes or conditions while maintaining overall system integration
3Productivity
If fluorescence based imaging or chemiluminescence imaging is used to achieve multiplexed sensing, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical imaging systems (fluorescence or chemiluminescence) with electrochemical sensing elements that can be fabricated using standard microfabrication techniques. This substitution reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining multiplexed sensing capability across multiple sites
4Measurement precision
If optical detection with white light sources or tunable lasers is used to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex optical detection systems requiring white light sources or tunable lasers are replaced with electrochemical sensing elements that operate using simple electrical measurements. This substitution maintains measurement precision through electrochemical specificity while dramatically reducing device complexity by eliminating sophisticated optical 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
This approach enables efficient multiplexed sensing with a high number of sensing sites, achieving high throughput rates, such as 100 Gbps/day or more, while using a single light source and being compatible with semiconductor platforms, thus overcoming the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
receiving radiation from a frequency comb radiation source
Implementation Method 2
a distinct optical resonator element adapted for, at a distinct frequency of said frequency comb radiation, sensing the optional interaction of said sample with said component... resonant radiation coupling, e.g. efficient radiation coupling, between the input waveguide and the optical resonator element
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A sensor chip (100) for use in multiplexed analysis of at least one sample is described. The sensor chip (100) comprises a plurality of sensing sites, each sensing site adapted for sensing an optional interaction of a sample with a component and an input waveguide for receiving radiation from a frequency comb radiation source and guiding said radiation along said plurality of sensing sites. At each sensing site, a distinct optical sensitive element is adapted for, at a distinct frequency, sensing an optional interaction of said sample with said component. An output means provides output of the radiation representative for the sensing dependent on said optional interaction of said sample with said component at said plurality of sensing sites.