OLED Excitation Device with Optical Resonator for Compact Fluorescence Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excitation and photoluminescence detection devices face challenges with complex and costly multilayer structure interference filters, mechanical constraints due to the arrangement of light sources and sensors, and limited compactness, which affect the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of fluorescence detection.
Innovation Solution
A compact excitation and photoluminescence detection device is designed with an organic light-emitting diode, an optical resonator tuned to the photoluminescence wavelength, and a sensor, optionally including an optical filter and diffusing element, to enhance detection efficiency while minimizing mechanical constraints and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multilayer structure interference filter is used to block excitation radiation and transmit photoluminescence radiation, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multilayer interference filter from the system. Instead of using a filter to separate excitation and emission wavelengths, the design uses the spatial arrangement of the OLED and photodetector on opposite sides of the sample, allowing direct transmission of excitation light through the sample to the detector while collecting emitted photoluminescence, thereby removing the need for complex optical filtering components
Solution Approach 2:
The OLED structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the excitation light source and, through its transparent substrate, as part of the optical path for detecting photoluminescence. The same structural components (OLED substrate, electrodes) serve dual purposes of generating excitation radiation and allowing transmission of both excitation and emission wavelengths without requiring separate filtering mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If a multilayer structure interference filter is used to block excitation radiation and transmit photoluminescence radiation, then the detection precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive multilayer interference filter from the system architecture. By using the OLED-photodetector spatial configuration where the OLED substrate is transparent to both excitation and emission wavelengths, the design eliminates the need for costly optical filtering components while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard OLED structures with transparent substrates and conventional photodetectors, replacing expensive specialized interference filters. This substitution uses more common, cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes while achieving the same functional outcome of wavelength separation through spatial arrangement rather than optical filtering
3Measurement precision
If the light source and sensor are arranged on either side of the objects to be studied, then the signal intensity is improved, but the mechanical constraints and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OLED and photodetector into a closely integrated structure where the OLED substrate directly contacts or is very close to the photodetector substrate. This merging allows the excitation source and detector to be positioned on opposite sides of the sample with minimal spacing, maximizing signal intensity while reducing mechanical complexity compared to traditional separated configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests the photodetector within or immediately adjacent to the OLED structure, with the OLED emitting excitation light through the sample and the photodetector positioned to receive both transmitted excitation light and emitted photoluminescence. This nested arrangement minimizes the distance between source and detector while maintaining the opposite-side configuration for optimal signal collection
4Measurement precision
If the light source and sensor are positioned close to the objects to be studied, then the signal intensity is improved, but the mechanical constraints on cavity wall thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OLED and photodetector into an integrated module where the total thickness required for both components and the sample is minimized. This merging allows the cavity wall thickness to be reduced while still positioning both the light source and sensor close to the sample, overcoming the mechanical constraints that would arise from requiring separate, thicker walls for each component
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 enables a compact, cost-effective, and efficient detection system with improved signal intensity and spatial resolution, reducing the need for complex filters and allowing closer proximity of light sources to the objects being studied.
Implementation Method 1
a first organic light-emitting diode for emitting the excitation radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical resonator tuned to the wavelength of the photoluminescence radiation
Implementation Method 3
The ability of an entity, called luminophore, to absorb light in a defined spectral range and to reemit light in a spectral band offset towards higher wavelengths is called photoluminescence
Data Source
AI summary
A device for exciting objects with an excitation radiation and for detecting a photoluminescence radiation emitted by the objects after the absorption of the excitation radiation. The device includes a wall in contact with the objects, an organic light-emitting diode for emitting the excitation radiation and transparent to the photoluminescence radiation, an optical resonator tuned to the wavelength of the photoluminescence radiation and located on the side of the organic light-emitting diode opposite to the wall, and at least one sensor of the photoluminescence radiation arranged on the side of the optical resonator opposite to the organic light-emitting diode.