Multi-Wavelength Photonic Sensing Module Without Wavelength Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices require compact, non-invasive, and cost-effective optical sensing modules capable of measuring biological parameters with high specificity and sensitivity, while existing technologies often suffer from complexity and high costs associated with wavelength scanning.
Innovation Solution
A silicon or silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with multiple lasers operating at different wavelengths, integrated optical components, and photodetectors, enabling diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry and Raman spectroscopy for biological tissue analysis, allowing for compact, versatile, and efficient sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wavelength scanning methods are used, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wavelength range into multiple discrete bands, with each laser diode responsible for a specific wavelength range. This allows the system to achieve versatile spectral coverage through multiple simple, fixed-wavelength sources rather than one complex scanning mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuit serves multiple functions: it integrates multiple laser diodes, optical waveguides, modulators, and detectors into a single platform that can perform various spectroscopic measurements across different wavelength ranges. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate scanning devices for each wavelength range, reducing complexity while preserving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength sources are integrated, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple laser diodes operating at different wavelengths are integrated onto a single photonic integrated circuit substrate. The circuit combines wavelength-division multiplexing components, optical modulators, and detectors into one unified structure, enabling multi-wavelength measurements while simplifying manufacturing compared to assembling separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical wavelength scanning systems with a photonic integrated circuit that uses optical waveguides and modulators to electronically control and switch between multiple fixed wavelength sources. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts, reducing manufacturing complexity while enhancing measurement capability.
3Volume of moving object
If compact sensing module is designed, then wearability is improved, but optical component integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic integrated circuit employs a nested structure where optical waveguides are embedded within the substrate, modulators are integrated along the waveguide paths, and detectors are positioned to receive light through the same compact structure. This nesting allows multiple optical components to be packed into a minimal volume, achieving wearability while managing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional integration within the photonic circuit, stacking optical components in vertical layers and using waveguide routing that exploits the depth dimension. This approach packs more optical functionality into a smaller footprint, improving wearability while the systematic layering manages the complexity of component integration.
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 solution provides a compact platform for wearable devices that can measure various biophysical and biochemical biomarkers with high sensitivity and selectivity, reducing the need for complex detectors and enabling multiple applications in healthcare and robotics.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lasers, each laser of the plurality of lasers operating at a wavelength that is different from the wavelength of the others
Implementation Method 2
the light penetrates the surface and is scattered so that a proportion of the light returns to the sensor module. Along its path through the biological tissue the light may be absorbed by analytes
Implementation Method 3
an optical modulator
Implementation Method 4
one or more photodetectors integrated into the transmitter PIC or located separately
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing module suitable for wearable devices, the optical sensing module comprising: a silicon or silicon nitride transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC), the transmitter PIC comprising: a plurality of lasers, each laser of the plurality of lasers operating at a wavelength that is different from the wavelength of the others; an optical manipulation region, the optical manipulation region comprising one or more of: an optical modulator, optical multiplexer (MUX); and additional optical manipulation elements; and one or more optical outputs for light originating from the plurality of lasers.