Optical Biosensor Enhancement Structure for Portable Signal Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical biosensors are typically large and bulky, making them non-portable and requiring separate devices for bioreaction and image sensing, which hinders their practical application in portable diagnostic tools.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a bioreaction device with an image sensor into an integrated chip, incorporating an optical signal enhancement structure between the receptor layer and photodetector to enhance sensor optical radiation signals, thereby improving portability and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If optical biosensors are designed as separate devices for bioreaction and image sensing, then functional performance is maintained, but device size and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bioreaction device and image sensor into a single integrated chip architecture. The bioreaction chamber with receptor layer is directly integrated with the photodetector array, eliminating the need for separate devices. This integration reduces overall device size and improves portability while maintaining functional performance through direct optical coupling between the bioreaction region and photodetector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar, two-dimensional arrangement of separate devices to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. The receptor layer is positioned directly over the photodetector array with the optical signal enhancement structure in between, creating a vertical integration that reduces footprint area and enables portable applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If optical signal enhancement structure is added between receptor layer and photodetector, then sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical signal enhancement structure acts as an intermediary element positioned between the receptor layer and the photodetector. This intermediate structure optimizes the optical path, enhances the sensor optical radiation signal through refraction and reflection, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio. The enhancement structure serves as a mediator that transfers optical signals more efficiently from the bioreaction region to the photodetector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical signal enhancement structure modifies optical parameters such as light intensity, direction, and wavelength distribution. By changing these optical parameters through controlled refraction and reflection, the structure enhances the signal reaching the photodetector and improves measurement precision without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 integrated chip design reduces size, enhances portability, and improves sensitivity and accuracy by optimizing signal-to-noise ratio through the optical signal enhancement structure.

Implementation Method 1

an optical signal enhancement structure disposed between the receptor layer and the photodetector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an optical signal enhancement structure disposed between the receptor layer and the photodetector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12414396B2Optical biosensor device with optical signal enhancement structure
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US12414396B2 patent drawing
  • US12414396B2 patent drawing
  • US12414396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip including a semiconductor layer and a photodetector disposed along the semiconductor layer. A color filter is over the photodetector. A micro-lens is over the color filter. A dielectric structure comprising one or more dielectric layers is over the micro-lens. A receptor layer is over the dielectric structure. An optical signal enhancement structure is disposed along the dielectric structure and between the receptor layer and the micro-lens.