Optical Biosensor Phase Detection for Compact Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical biosensors are large in size, making it challenging to integrate an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) and thus difficult to downsize the biosensor for mobility and integration.
Innovation Solution
An optical biosensor design that includes a biosensing unit with a sensing resonator and a reference resonator, where phase-modulated optical signals are used to calculate the concentration of bio-materials by detecting phase differences between sensing and reference signals, allowing for integration of signal processing units and downsizing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) is integrated into the biosensor, then the biosensor can measure bio-material concentration, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength analysis function from a separate OSA device and integrates it into the biosensor chip itself. The resonator-based wavelength detection and photodetector array are incorporated directly on the chip, eliminating the need for an external bulky OSA while maintaining the capability to measure bio-material concentration through resonant wavelength shifts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated chip: the resonator structure for sensing, the photodetector array for optical signal detection, and the wavelength analysis capability are all combined on one chip. This integration of sensing, detection, and analysis functions enables compact biosensor design without sacrificing measurement precision
2Volume of moving object
If the biosensor is downsized for mobility, then portability is improved, but integration of signal processing elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar two-dimensional integration to three-dimensional vertical stacking of functional layers. Multiple photodetectors are arranged in vertical layers above the resonator, enabling compact signal processing and wavelength analysis in the vertical dimension rather than requiring large horizontal space, thus achieving downsizing without sacrificing functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the sensing element for detecting bio-material binding, as a wavelength reference through its resonant modes, and as an optical waveguide. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying integration while enabling downsized design
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 the creation of a compact, mobile optical biosensor capable of accurately measuring bio-material concentrations without the need for additional devices like spectrometers, facilitating integration with mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The concentration of a bio-material is measured by analyzing a shift in a resonant wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an interferometer for receiving the optical signal and modulating a phase of the optical signal to generate the phase-modulated optical signal
Implementation Method 3
detecting a phase difference between the sensing signal and the reference signal according to the detected first and second phase elements
Data Source
AI summary
An optical biosensor may include a biosensing unit, detection unit, and signal processing unit. The biosensing unit may be configured for receiving first and second optical signals (which are generated from a phase-modulated optical signal), outputting a sensing signal by transmitting the first optical signal via a first optical path that includes a sensing resonator, and outputting a reference signal by transmitting the second optical signal via a second optical path that includes a reference resonator. The detection unit may be configured for receiving the sensing signal and the reference signal, detecting a phase element of each of the sensing signal and the reference signal through a signal demodulation operation, and detecting a phase difference between the sensing signal and the reference signal according to the detected phase elements. The signal processing unit may be configured for calculating the concentration of a bio-material based on the detected phase difference.