Molded Optical Format Waveguide for Small Fluid Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical analysis systems for small fluid samples face challenges with tight mechanical tolerances and difficulty in handling and analyzing tiny sample volumes due to the need for small read areas and narrow light beams, which complicates user interaction and increases manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A molded optical format with an illumination input, overillumination redirection facets, and a detection guide that accepts light, redirects overilluminating light, and allows for a wider light beam, enabling easier alignment and handling of small samples, while integrating components for simplified user interaction and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a small read area is used to accommodate small fluid sample volumes, then the sample volume requirement is met, but the mechanical tolerance requirements become tighter and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar read area to a three-dimensional waveguiding structure. Light is directed into the waveguide at an angle, propagates through the fluid sample contained within the waveguide, and exits at a different location. This dimensional transition allows for a larger effective optical path length and relaxed mechanical tolerances while maintaining compatibility with small sample volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the fluid sample. It captures light, directs it through the sample, and guides the output light to the detector. This intermediary structure enables more flexible alignment and reduces the precision requirements for direct coupling between optical components and the sample.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow light beam is used to pass through a small read window, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional waveguide geometry to redirect light paths. Instead of requiring a narrow beam to pass directly through a small window, the waveguide accepts light over a larger area, guides it through the sample using total internal reflection, and outputs the light at a different position. This dimensional approach maintains measurement precision while allowing for a wider, more easily aligned light beam.
3Measurement precision
If tight mechanical tolerances are required between format and optics, then optical reading accuracy is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves as a tolerant intermediary that decouples the optical system from precise mechanical alignment requirements. It accepts light over a larger input area and maintains the optical path through the sample even with variations in positioning. This allows for easier user operation while preserving measurement accuracy.
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 reduces mechanical tolerance requirements, allows for easier handling of small sample volumes, and simplifies user interaction by enabling a wider optical read diameter and increased mechanical tolerances, enhancing the consistency and ease of optical testing.
Implementation Method 1
a single waveguiding optical format accepts illumination, directs the illumination through a fluid sample, and further directs the resulting output light out of the format and toward a detector
Implementation Method 2
Overillumination redirection facets redirect overilluminating light away from the format
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes. The optical format is comprised of an illumination light guide, a read window upon which a sample is placed, a sample collection needle or capillary, and a detection guide. Light redirecting facets are provided within the format itself such that the format serves as a unitary component for accepting light, directing light through a sample, and emitting light for detection.