Optoelectronic Sensor Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microarray readout systems require complex optics and precise mechanics for fluorescence detection, hindering miniaturization and cost-effective production, and struggle with homogeneous illumination and crosstalk issues in fluorescence-based measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor system with a layered structure that uses total reflection to selectively excite and detect fluorescence signals, featuring a transparent first layer with a higher refractive index, a second layer with a lower refractive index for total reflection, and an optoelectrical sensor layer with translucent electrode layers, allowing for evanescent field excitation and minimization of scattered light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lasers or gas discharge lamps are used for fluorescence excitation with scanning mechanisms, then fluorescence signals can be detected, but the system complexity increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical scanning systems with a planar light wave propagation approach. Instead of scanning a focused laser beam across the microarray, a planar light wave is generated that simultaneously illuminates the entire sample area, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning mechanisms while maintaining fluorescence detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point excitation (zero-dimensional scanning) to planar wave excitation (two-dimensional illumination). By generating a planar light wave that propagates across the entire microarray surface, the system achieves simultaneous illumination of all probe points without mechanical scanning
2Measurement precision
If complex optics are used to image fluorescence signals onto detectors, then accurate detection is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex imaging optics from the system. By using a planar light wave that directly illuminates the microarray and collects fluorescence signals without requiring focused beams, mirrors, or lenses, the system achieves accurate detection while simplifying the optical path and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The planar light wave serves multiple functions simultaneously: it illuminates the entire microarray area, maintains uniform excitation across all probe points, and enables fluorescence collection without requiring separate optical components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If point-by-point excitation is used, then fluorescence can be detected, but homogeneous illumination is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-by-point excitation to planar wave excitation. The planar light wave propagates across the entire microarray surface, providing uniform illumination intensity across all probe points simultaneously, thereby achieving homogeneous excitation that is impossible with point-by-point scanning
4Volume of moving object
If the sensor is placed close to the sample for direct detection, then miniaturization is enabled, but scattered excitation light causes interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate optical path using a planar light wave that propagates through a controlled medium. This intermediate propagation path allows the sensor to be positioned close to the sample for miniaturization while the planar wave geometry and intermediate medium filter out scattered excitation light, preventing interference with the fluorescence signal
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
Enables miniaturized, cost-effective, and accurate fluorescence detection without scanning or complex optics, ensuring reliable measurement results by selectively exciting surface molecules and blocking scattered excitation light, with improved spatial resolution to prevent crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
an adjacent second layer with a second, smaller refractive index to generate total reflection of the coupled light and a resulting propagating planar light wave in the first layer
Implementation Method 2
an optoelectronic sensor layer located below the second layer consisting of one or more semiconductor layers between two electrode layers
Implementation Method 3
the samples are labeled so that – after excitation by a light source, such as a laser – fluorescence signals are generated that can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor system which homogeneously illuminates the sample and allows only resultant fluorescent light to pass to the photoactive layer. This object is essentially achieved by providing a total internal reflection layer for the injected light in front of or above the optoelectronic sensor layer. Said system can be used in all fields in which microarray biochips are used.