Optical Isolation Element for Implantable Sensor Stray Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor configurations allow stray light to impinge on photodetectors, causing noise in measurements and losing desired excitation light to non-relevant areas, necessitating improved light blocking and control.
Innovation Solution
An optical isolation element is attached to the sensor electronics, configured to surround optics elements, using opaque materials like plastic, metal, or glass to block stray light while allowing excitation and emission light to reach the indicator molecules, thereby concentrating light on relevant areas and preventing extraneous light from reaching photodetectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light filters and algorithm calculations are used to subtract stray light signals, then measurement noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and physically removes stray light from the optical path by introducing light-blocking structures (opaque coatings, light traps, and isolation walls) that separate harmful stray light from the detection path, eliminating the need for complex algorithmic subtraction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary light-blocking elements (opaque coatings on sensor surfaces, light trap structures, and isolation walls) that mediate between the light source and photodetectors, physically intercepting stray light before it reaches the detectors
2Measurement precision
If optical isolation elements are added to block stray light, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical isolation function with existing sensor components by applying opaque coatings directly to sensor surfaces and integrating light traps into the sensor housing structure, eliminating the need for separate isolation components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local optical properties by selectively applying opaque coatings only to specific sensor surfaces where stray light reflection occurs, and positioning light traps at specific locations where stray light paths converge, rather than uniformly treating the entire sensor
3Area of stationary object
If excitation light is allowed to disperse freely, then light coverage area increases, but light is lost to non-relevant areas reducing measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical space by introducing light-blocking walls and isolation structures that divide the optical path into relevant and irrelevant regions, allowing excitation light to cover the necessary indicator molecule area while preventing dispersion into non-relevant areas where it would be lost
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 optical isolation element effectively blocks stray light, reducing noise and ensuring that excitation light is focused on the indicator molecules, enhancing measurement accuracy by minimizing unwanted light paths and dispersal.
Implementation Method 1
The element is preferably opaque so that it will block stray external light from outside sources that normally could be detected by the photodetectors and add noise to the measurements generated by the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The element can be configured and oriented in a manner that at least partially surrounds the optics elements so as to concentrate the excitation light to a specific area of the indicator molecule matrix relative to the location and orientation of the photodetectors
Data Source
AI summary
An optical isolation element is provided on an optical sensor comprising a light source, at least one photodetector, and indicator material that emits light that is detected by the photodetector when optically excited by the light source. The optical isolation element limits the optical paths by which light may be transmitted by the light source, thereby limiting exposure of the excitation light source to regions of interest. The optical isolation element also limits the optical paths by which light may be transmitted to the photodetector, thereby limiting exposure of the photodetector to light from extraneous sources.