Optical Chip Free-Space Coupling for Well Plate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The measurement of liquid samples in well plates using optical chips is hindered by difficulties in obtaining optical coupling, as the chips are often covered in fluid with unknown optical properties or are opaque, making free-space coupling challenging and expensive when fibers are used.
Innovation Solution
An optical chip with a free-space coupler is designed to keep the coupling area shielded from the liquid sample, allowing for inexpensive free-space coupling by submerging the sampling area while keeping the coupling area above the fluid level or using a liquid-tight sleeve to prevent interference, enabling interrogation without passing through the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free-space optical coupling is used without shielding, then the optical path passes through the liquid sample causing measurement interference, but if fiber-based coupling is used, then the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical chip is divided into functionally separate regions: a sampling area that contacts the liquid sample and a coupling area that remains shielded from the sample. This segmentation allows the optical coupling to occur in a controlled environment free from sample interference, while still enabling sample measurement through the separated sampling zone.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid-tight barrier or sleeve is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid sample and the optical coupling area. This barrier prevents the sample from contacting the coupling region while allowing optical signals to pass through, thereby eliminating sample interference without requiring expensive fiber-based solutions.
2Measurement precision
If the chip is submerged in the liquid sample for sampling, then the sampling area is accessible to the sample, but the coupling area becomes inaccessible to free-space optical interrogation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical chip utilizes vertical layering to resolve the conflict between sampling and coupling accessibility. The sampling area is positioned at the bottom surface to contact the liquid sample, while the coupling area is positioned at the top surface accessible to free-space optical interrogation. This dimensional separation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a bottom sampling area for sample contact and a top coupling area for optical interrogation. This spatial segmentation enables the chip to be submerged in the sample while maintaining unobstructed optical access to the coupling region from above.
3Reliability
If optical fibers are attached to the chip for coupling, then reliable optical connection is achieved, but the chip becomes too expensive to be disposable
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-tight barrier or protective sleeve serves as an intermediary that enables reliable optical coupling without direct fiber attachment to the chip. This barrier allows free-space optical interrogation to occur while preventing sample contamination, achieving connection stability through a simpler, more cost-effective means than fiber bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the use of inexpensive, disposable optical chips by eliminating the need for costly fiber attachment processes. The free-space coupling approach with liquid-tight barriers allows standard fabrication methods to be used, making the chips affordable for single-use applications in diagnostic and research settings.
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
This configuration allows for effective and cost-efficient measurement of liquid samples in well plates by maintaining the optical path outside the sample, facilitating easy readout and reducing the complexity and cost associated with fiber-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one free-space optical coupler (11, 12) that is accessible to receive input light (L1) and/or emit output light (L2) via a coupling area (CA) of the chip
Implementation Method 2
The optical chip is configured to modify the output light with respect to the input light as a function of a property to be measured of the liquid sample proximate to the sampling area
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and instruments for measuring a liquid sample (S1) in a well plate (50) by means of an optical chip 10. The chip (10) comprises an optical sensor (13) that is accessible to the liquid sample (S1) at a sampling area (SA) of the chip. A free-space optical coupler (11,12) is accessible to receive input light (L1) and/or emit output light (L2) via a coupling area (CA) of the chip (10). The sampling area (SA) of the chip 10 is submerged in the liquid sample (S1) while keeping the liquid sample (S1) away from the coupling area (CA) for interrogating the optical coupler (11,12) via an optical path (P) that does not pass through the liquid sample (S1).