Optical Probe Surface Coating with NV-DP Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying the surface of optical probes using diamond particles with colored nitrogen centers (NV-DP) are limited in their ability to enhance sensitivity to external refractive index and surface sensitivity, and they often require specialized equipment and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dip-coating with NV-DP diamond particle suspensions is used to modify the surface of optical probes, allowing for uniform and stable coating without limiting the shape or size of the probe. The process involves preparing NV-DP suspensions, cleaning the probe surface, and immersing it in the suspension for controlled periods to achieve desired thickness and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the surface of optical probes is modified using single NV-DP particles, then magnetic field or temperature sensing is improved, but the probe cannot provide independent optical response and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple NV-DP particles into clusters that are then attached to the optical probe surface. This merging approach allows the probe to maintain its independent optical functionality while also providing enhanced magnetic field and temperature sensing capabilities through the collective properties of the NV-DP clusters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by attaching NV-DP particle clusters to the optical probe surface. This composite material approach enables the probe to exhibit both the optical properties of the original probe and the sensing properties of the NV-DP particles, achieving multi-functionality.
2Measurement precision
If NV-DP particles are used to modify optical probes, then surface sensitivity and refractive index sensitivity are increased, but the probe shape and size are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dip-coating to deposit NV-DP particles in a segmented, controlled manner on the probe surface. This allows the modification to be applied uniformly across different probe geometries without requiring the entire probe to be redesigned, thus maintaining shape and size flexibility while achieving enhanced sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dip-coating method described in the patent is a universal technique that can be applied to optical probes of various shapes and sizes. This universal approach allows the sensitivity enhancement to be achieved across different probe geometries without limiting the design flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If complex modification methods are used to enhance probe sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and requirement for specialised equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dip-coating method allows the NV-DP particles to self-assemble and attach to the probe surface through simple immersion. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex deposition equipment or sophisticated modification processes, achieving high sensitivity with a simple, scalable technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical deposition systems with a simple dip-coating process. This substitution uses basic fluid dynamics and surface adhesion principles instead of sophisticated equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 modified optical probes exhibit enhanced surface sensitivity and refractive index sensitivity, enabling detection of biological and chemical targets with reduced detection limits by up to two orders of magnitude. Additionally, the method introduces an additional optical domain through fluorescence signals from NV-DP, creating a multi-domain sensing structure.
Implementation Method 1
The nitrogen colour centre - nitrogen-vacancy (NV) - is particularly noteworthy. The inventors noted that NVs stand out from other diamond colour centres due to their stable single-photon emission with high quantum efficiency
Implementation Method 2
method involving dip-coating with NV-DP diamond particle suspensions is used to modify the surface of optical probes, allowing for uniform and stable coating
Data Source
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Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The optical probe modified with diamond particles with NV-DP nitrogen colour centres is characterized in the fact that the bonding of the NV-DP particles to the probe surface is by van der Waals electrostatic interaction, and the surface is evenly covered with a suspension of NV-DP particles of powder size to particle size from 5 to 500 nm at a concentration from 0.01 to 1 mg/mL, preferably 5-500 nm at a concentration of 0.1 to 1 mg/mL, and the thickness of the NV-DP particle layer is from 5 to 500 nm. The invention also refers to method of obtaining modified optical probe.