Optical Integrated Circuit for Miniaturized Wireless Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID devices are limited by minimum antenna size requirements for efficient operation and energy storage, making them unsuitable for tracking smaller objects, and direct biological cell measurements are constrained by the need for electrical contact, which can damage cells and limit measurement types.
Innovation Solution
An all-optical identification and sensor system that uses a light beam to power on and transmit data wirelessly, allowing for direct embedding within cells or small objects, using an integrated circuit that powers on with illumination and transmits data via a separate light beam, enabling real-time monitoring of cellular characteristics without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If RFID devices are miniaturized to track smaller objects, then the size of the device is reduced, but the antenna size becomes insufficient for efficient operation and useful range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional RF electromagnetic system with an optical system using light beams for power transmission and data communication. This substitution allows the device to be miniaturized without the antenna size constraints that limit RF systems, as optical components can be much smaller while maintaining communication efficiency and useful range.
2Measurement precision
If voltage clamp techniques are used to measure cellular characteristics, then electrical parameters can be sensed, but electrical and mechanical contact is required which can damage cells and limit measurement types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical measurement techniques with optical measurement methods. The implanted device uses optical sensors to detect cellular characteristics such as pH, temperature, and chemical composition without requiring electrical contact. This eliminates the harmful effects of electrodes on cell membranes while enabling diverse measurement types through different optical sensor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fields as an intermediary between the measurement system and the cell. Instead of direct electrical contact through electrodes, the optical device uses light to probe and sense cellular characteristics indirectly, avoiding mechanical penetration and electrical interference with cell membranes while still achieving precise measurements.
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 efficient wireless data transmission and real-time monitoring of cellular characteristics, overcoming size limitations of RFID devices and avoiding cell damage, allowing for precise identification and sensing of smaller objects and biological processes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter configured for sending data to an external optical receiving device
Implementation Method 2
at least one photovoltaic power source powered by receiving light from a light source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system having an optical integrated circuit (referred to herein as an OMTP) configured for power on during discovery and optically communicating with the OMTP reader for the purpose of extracting data.