Optofluidic Grating Coupler for Tunable Spectrum Response

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Optofluidic systems used in biochemical sensing applications lack the ability to tune their spectrum response, limiting their application in analyzing viruses and DNA strands.

Innovation Solution

A structure comprising a dielectric waveguide with at least one grating coupler adjacent to it, each grating coupler including a set of parallel optofluidic grating channels oriented orthogonally to the dielectric waveguide, allowing for tunable spectrum response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional optofluidic systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the spectrum response cannot be tuned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum response tuning capabilityVSAvoidgrating coupler structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grating coupler is segmented into multiple independent optofluidic grating channels (first, second, third channels) with different geometrical parameters. Each channel acts as an independent element that can be selectively activated by controlling fluid flow, enabling spectrum response tuning without requiring a complex monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static grating coupler to a dynamic configuration where fluid flow control enables selective activation of different grating channels. This dynamic switching capability allows the spectrum response to be tuned in real-time based on analytical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grating channels are added to enable spectrum tuning, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum analysis capabilityVSAvoidnumber of grating channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple optofluidic grating channels are integrated into a single grating coupler structure that serves multiple functions: (1) spectrum tuning through selective channel activation, (2) enhanced signal detection through combined output, and (3) versatile biochemical analysis capability. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple optofluidic grating channels are merged into a single integrated grating coupler structure with a common substrate and shared optical path. The channels are combined in such a way that their outputs can be detected together, achieving spectrum tuning functionality while maintaining a compact and unified device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If optofluidic grating channels are used, then biochemical sensing capability is enhanced, but the system lacks spectrum tuning ability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiochemical detection accuracyVSAvoidspectrum response range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each optofluidic grating channel is designed with specific local geometric characteristics (different periods, widths, or depths) optimized for detecting particular biochemical analytes. This local quality differentiation enables both high measurement precision for specific targets and broad spectrum tuning capability by selecting appropriate channels based on the analytical requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 the analysis of biochemical samples by providing a tunable grating coupler that can refract a desired spectrum from an optical signal passed through the fluid in the grating channels, enhancing the capability to detect and analyze viruses and DNA strands.

Implementation Method 1

tunable grating coupler that can refract a desired spectrum from an optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

dielectric waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal Internal Reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12306442B2Structure including grating coupler with optofluidic grating channels

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 GLOBALFOUNDRIES US INC

AI summary

A structure includes a dielectric waveguide, and at least one grating coupler adjacent the dielectric waveguide. Each grating coupler includes a set of parallel optofluidic grating channels oriented orthogonally to the dielectric waveguide. The structure may also include a radiation source operatively coupled to the dielectric waveguide, and an optical receiver such as a photosensor adjacent the grating coupler(s). The structure may be used as part of an optofluidic sensor system for, for example, biochemical applications.