Optical Resonance Layer Enhances Fluorescence Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical electric sensors face challenges in enhancing fluorescence detection sensitivity while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), as increasing the distance between the analytes and the sensor to filter noise reduces the detected fluorescence, and reducing the filter thickness compromises SNR.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing module with an optical resonance layer between the sample loading layer and the sensing layer, utilizing an optically resonant structure that excites waveguide-mode resonance with excitation light, which enhances fluorescence intensity and filters incident light effectively, thereby improving sensitivity and SNR while preventing photo-bleaching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of the filter is increased to filter noise, then the noise reduction is improved, but the detection sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An optical resonance layer with optically resonant structures (gratings) is introduced as an intermediary between the sample loading layer and sensing layer. This resonance layer enhances fluorescence emission through resonant coupling while simultaneously filtering incident light, achieving both noise reduction and sensitivity enhancement without requiring a thick physical filter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a resonance layer with specific refractive index and resonant structures. By tuning the resonant conditions (wavelength, angle, period of gratings), the system achieves enhanced fluorescence detection while filtering noise, resolving the contradiction between filter thickness and sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If the thickness of the filter is reduced to improve sensitivity, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resonance layer acts as an intelligent intermediary that selectively enhances desired fluorescence signals while filtering out incident light and noise. The resonant structures provide wavelength-selective enhancement, improving SNR without requiring thick filters that would reduce sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical resonance (analogous to mechanical vibration) in the optical resonance layer to amplify fluorescence signals at specific wavelengths. This resonant amplification improves signal strength and SNR while maintaining thin filter thickness, thereby improving both sensitivity and reliability
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 sensing module achieves high sensitivity and SNR by enhancing fluorescence intensity through waveguide-mode resonance, while reducing photo-bleaching effects, allowing for effective detection of samples with improved signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation light excites waveguide-mode resonance in the optically resonant structure
Implementation Method 2
The optical resonance of the optical resonance layer is provided by an optically resonant structure on the surface of the optical resonance layer
Implementation Method 3
a sensing layer configured to receive light and turn it into electrical signals
Implementation Method 4
utilizing an optically resonant structure that excites waveguide-mode resonance with excitation light, which enhances fluorescence intensity and filters incident light effectively
Implementation Method 5
the light source is a laser and the excitation light strikes the optically resonant structure at a resonance angle
Implementation Method 6
allowing for effective detection of samples with improved signal quality... preventing photo-bleaching
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensing module including a sample loading layer, a sensing layer and an optical resonance layer locating between the sample loading layer and the sensing layer is provided. The sample loading layer includes at least a sample loading depression, and the sample loading depression exposes part of the optical resonance layer, and the sample loading depression is adapted to load sample. A surface of the optical resonance layer has optical resonance structures, and the optical resonance structures are located beside bottom of the sample loading depression or below the bottom of the sample loading depression. The sensing layer is configured to receive light and turn it into electrical signals. A sensing method is also provided.