Implantable Optical Sensor Protective Layer for Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical assemblies used in applications involving direct and prolonged contact with fluids suffer from deterioration in optical properties and reduced lifetime due to environmental factors, such as corrosion and dissolution, which affects their performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A protective layer is applied over the optical interaction area of the optical assembly, using materials like Silicon Carbide, Diamond Like Carbon, or Titanium Dioxide, which shields the optical microstructure from corrosion without significantly impacting its optical properties, ensuring continued functionality and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical microstructure is exposed to fluid environment for sensing interaction, then the sensing capability is improved, but the optical properties deteriorate over time due to corrosion and dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the optical microstructure and the fluid environment. This layer allows optical interaction (evanescent field coupling) while physically protecting the underlying optical microstructure from corrosion and dissolution, thus maintaining both sensing capability and optical properties over time
Solution Approach 2:
A thin protective film is applied over the optical interaction area, providing mechanical and chemical protection while maintaining optical transparency. The thin film structure allows evanescent field interaction with the fluid while preventing direct contact between the fluid and the optical microstructure, resolving the contradiction between sensing exposure and protection
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a protective layer is applied to shield the optical microstructure, then the lifetime is improved, but the optical properties may be adversely influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is applied selectively only over the optical interaction area where the optical microstructure is most vulnerable, rather than covering the entire device. This localized protection maintains the necessary optical properties in non-critical areas while providing protection where needed, balancing lifetime extension with optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is designed with specific material properties (refractive index, thickness, transparency) that are optimized to minimize adverse optical effects. By carefully selecting and controlling these parameters, the protective layer provides durability while maintaining the optical characteristics necessary for sensing functionality
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 protective layer effectively prevents corrosion and dissolution, maintaining the optical microstructure's performance and functionality over time, even in hostile environments, while allowing for interaction with the external environment without altering the desired optical functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
The protective layer effectively shields the optical interaction area, and more specifically protects the optical microstructure of the optical assembly, from deterioration during use
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly comprising a substrate and at least one optical microstructure integrated with the substrate. The optical microstructure is positioned to form an optical interaction area
Implementation Method 3
The optical microstructure is positioned to form an optical interaction area on a part of a surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable optical sensor (1) comprising a substrate (2) and at least one optical microstructure (3) for evanescent field sensing integrated with the substrate (2), the at least one optical microstructure (3) being positioned to form an optical interaction area (4) on a part of a surface (5) of the substrate (2), the optical assembly (1) further comprising a thin protective layer (6) covering at least the optical interaction area (4), the thin protective layer (6) being in a predetermined material with corrosion-protection characteristics and having a predetermined thickness, so as not to affect the evanescent field sensing.