Optofluidic Device With Nested Fiber And Capillary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optofluidic devices face challenges in efficiently coupling light into a fluid without causing meniscus formation and maintaining the fluid in a closed environment, especially when multiple fluid channels are used, leading to fragility and time-consuming polishing processes.
Innovation Solution
An optofluidic device design where light and fluid are separately provided to the end surface of an optical fiber with a solid light guiding core and a fiber fluid channel, allowing efficient coupling between two optical fibers without opening the sidewall, and using a smaller capillary within the larger one to reduce leakage and fragility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If longitudinal illumination is used to excite extended region of fluid, then excitation coverage is improved, but meniscus formation and optical distortion occur at open ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the optical fiber inside the capillary tube, creating a nested structure where the fiber is positioned within the fluid-containing capillary. This allows longitudinal illumination of the fluid without meniscus formation at the capillary ends, as the fiber extends beyond the fluid region or is positioned such that its illuminated region does not include the meniscus interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent window or interface region that mediates between the optical fiber and the fluid. This intermediary structure allows optical coupling while preventing direct exposure to the meniscus, thereby maintaining optical quality while enabling extended region excitation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holes are opened in fiber for multiple fluid channels, then multi-channel capability is improved, but fiber fragility increases and polishing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the light guiding function and fluid channel function into distinct components. The optical fiber maintains its intact structure for light guidance, while fluid channels are provided separately in the capillary or housing structure. This segmentation eliminates the need to polish multiple holes in the fiber, reducing polishing time and fiber fragility while maintaining multi-channel capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical fiber with a separate fluid-containing structure (capillary or housing) to create an integrated optofluidic device. The fiber and fluid channels are positioned in close proximity or coupled through a transparent interface, allowing multiple fluid channels to access the fluid without requiring multiple holes in the fiber itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber is polished multiple times for multiple holes, then multi-channel access is improved, but fiber strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separate functional components: an intact optical fiber for light guidance and a separate fluid delivery structure. This segmentation allows multi-channel access through the fluid structure without compromising the optical fiber's structural integrity, as no holes need to be opened in the fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (housing or capillary) that mediates between the optical fiber and multiple fluid channels. This intermediary allows fluid access from multiple directions or channels while the fiber remains intact and protected, maintaining both multi-channel access and fiber strength.
4Reliability
If bulk cells with optical windows are used to contain liquid, then liquid containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the containment function and optical guidance function into a single integrated structure. The capillary or housing simultaneously contains the fluid and provides a structured interface for optical fiber coupling, eliminating the need for separate bulk cells with optical windows and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the capillary or housing structure to serve multiple functions: fluid containment, optical interface provision, and structural support for the fiber. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable liquid containment.
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
This design enhances robustness and manufacturing efficiency by minimizing optical loss and fluid leakage, allowing for simultaneous light and fluid propagation, and enabling the analysis of small volumes with reduced dead volume and inertia.
Implementation Method 1
light from an external source is coupled into a first optical fiber which guides the light to a second optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a transparent wall to allow passage of light from the optical fiber to the liquid in the capillary
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
An optofluidic device (100) comprising: a first optical fiber (102) having a light guiding core (104); a capillary (106) having a capillary fluid channel (108); a second optical fiber (110) having a solid light guiding core (112) and at least one fiber fluid channel (114) arranged adjacent to and in parallel with said light guiding core; wherein the capillary fluid channel (108) is arranged in direct fluid communication with the at least one fiber fluid channel (114); and wherein the first optical fiber (102) extends through an opening (116) in a sidewall of the capillary (106) and is optically coupled to the second optical fiber (110) to guide light from an external source into the light guiding core (112) of the second optical fiber (110).