Optical Scanning System With Stacked Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical bio-analysis methods, such as microarray fluorescence scanning and waveguide-based biosensors, face limitations including short interaction length between bio-samples and light, high noise levels, sensitivity to planarity and position, slow operation, and complex, expensive systems, which hinder their efficiency and accuracy in detecting biologically active analytes.
Innovation Solution
A scanning sensor system featuring a substrate with substantially parallel excitation and collection waveguides that cross to form a two-dimensional array, a switchable light source, and a detector, allowing for improved optical communication and increased interaction length between light and bio-samples, reducing noise and enhancing sensitivity and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If confocal scanning systems with single-layer interaction are used, then the system structure is simple, but the signal strength is weak and SNR is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-layer (2D surface) interaction to multi-layer (3D volumetric) interaction by stacking multiple substrate layers with waveguides at different depths. This dimensional expansion increases the interaction length between light and bio-samples, thereby enhancing signal strength and SNR while maintaining systematic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested substrates where multiple substrate layers are stacked vertically, with each layer containing waveguides and bio-sample elements. The layers are nested in sequence, creating a compact multi-layer structure that maximizes interaction length within a confined space, improving signal strength without proportionally increasing system footprint.
2Productivity
If microarray fluorescence scanning is used, then operation speed is fast, but background noise is high due to back reflected light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects fluorescence light from multiple vertical layers simultaneously through the waveguide structure, rather than scanning a single plane. This volumetric collection approach maintains fast operation by processing multiple layers in parallel while reducing background noise through the waveguide's directional light guidance that separates signal from back-reflected light.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary structure that selectively guides fluorescence light from bio-samples while filtering out back-reflected light. The waveguide's optical properties enable it to transmit the desired signal while blocking harmful background noise, thereby improving SNR without sacrificing operation speed.
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical scanning systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but sensitivity to planarity and position is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stacked substrate layers with waveguides embedded at different depths, creating a three-dimensional optical path that is less sensitive to planarity variations. The vertical stacking allows light to interact with samples across multiple focal planes, reducing the impact of position misalignment and maintaining ease of operation without requiring high precision positioning.
4Measurement precision
If microarray scanning with multiple pixels is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation speed decreases due to long integration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection layers into a single integrated waveguide system that collects fluorescence from all layers simultaneously. This merging of detection channels allows parallel processing of signals from multiple depths, maintaining high detection accuracy through increased signal collection while reducing operation time by eliminating sequential scanning requirements.
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 system enhances signal strength, reduces noise, and improves operational speed and accuracy in detecting biologically active analytes, enabling more efficient and precise bio-analysis compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate includes a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides
Implementation Method 2
The changes in the optical properties can occur in the analyte itself or through a mediator such as the surface on which the interaction takes place. These changes are then monitored using a beam of incoming light (usually laser light) which in-turn changes the outgoing light spectrum (e.g. in fluorescence)
Implementation Method 3
intensity (e.g. in absorption)
Implementation Method 4
phase (e.g. Surface Plasmon Resonance=SPR and any kind of interferometric method)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning system including a switchable light source, a detector, a substrate and a plurality of optical sensing sites, as well s methods and kits for use thereof are provided. The substrate is coupled to and in optical communication with the switchable light source and the detector. Additionally, the substrate includes a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides, the excitation waveguides and collection waveguides crossing to form a two-dimensional array of intersection regions where an excitation waveguide and a collection waveguide cross and provide optical communication with the intersection region at each crossing. The plurality of optical sensing sites are each in optical communication with an intersection region.