Optical Alignment Targets with Cured Matrix Fluorophores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical targets for calibration and alignment in optical detection systems face issues with stability, particularly when using organic dyes and liquid carriers, which can lead to drying out and temperature increases during the alignment process.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical alignment targets that incorporate photostable fluorophores within a cured matrix and patterned resins that do not absorb excitation light, maintaining lower temperatures and preventing unwanted heating of opaque materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic dyes and liquid carriers are used in optical targets, then the optical target can be manufactured with simple materials, but the stability deteriorates due to drying out during the alignment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the carrier from liquid to solid by using a cured matrix material. This parameter change eliminates the drying out issue inherent in liquid carriers while maintaining the ability to embed fluorophores for optical signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the cured matrix with fluorophores and potentially other functional materials. This creates a stable, multi-functional optical target that maintains its properties during the alignment process without drying out.
2Measurement precision
If excitation light is used to illuminate the optical target, then calibration and alignment can be performed, but temperature increases causing unwanted heating of opaque materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patterned resin acts as an intermediary between the excitation light and the opaque material. By making the resin transparent to the excitation wavelength, it allows light to pass through without being absorbed and converted to heat, thereby preventing thermal damage to the opaque material while still enabling optical alignment.
3Reliability
If photostable fluorophores are incorporated into a cured matrix, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the cured matrix: it serves as the structural support, the embedding medium for fluorophores, and the transparent substrate for optical access. This consolidation achieves high stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
These optical alignment targets exhibit improved stability and accuracy, ensuring reliable calibration and alignment of optical systems without the drawbacks of drying out or excessive heating.
Implementation Method 1
the optical alignment target includes a photostable fluorophore as the light emitting material
Implementation Method 2
the optical alignment target includes a patterned resin that does not absorb the excitation light used in the optical alignment process
Data Source
AI summary
An example optical alignment target includes a translucent or transparent substrate having a bottom surface; an opaque material formed over the bottom surface in a pattern; an enclosed channel disposed below the bottom surface; and a fluid suspension contained in the enclosed channel. The pattern has an opaque portion of an opaque material and has a gap portion devoid of the opaque material. The fluid suspension includes a carrier liquid and a light emitting material suspended in the carrier liquid. The light emitting material is selected from the group consisting of quantum dots and cerium powder.