Optomechanical Resonator Sensor for Liquid Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concentration sensors for biological species in liquids face challenges such as being time-consuming, non-sensitive, bulky, and complex in production, with limited resolution and sensitivity, particularly in detecting species in liquid media.

Innovation Solution

A concentration sensor combining optical and mechanical resonators, where the mechanical resonator is functionalized and vibrates in an in-plane volume mode with reduced energy losses, and a thin, homogeneous functionalization layer enhances sensitivity and simplicity, allowing for precise detection of species in liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If surface plasmon resonators are used for detection, then ease of use and speed are improved, but sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges optical resonance and mechanical resonance into a single integrated structure. The mechanical resonator is designed to be optically active, allowing it to both mechanically resonate at high frequencies and optically resonate with guided waves. This combination enables the sensor to achieve high sensitivity through mechanical resonance while maintaining ease of use and speed through optical detection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If mechanical resonators operating under vacuum are used, then quality factor is improved, but device size and complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality factorVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional vacuum environment requirement with an optical coupling mechanism. Instead of relying on vacuum to reduce mechanical energy losses, the sensor uses optical resonance coupling between the mechanical resonator and guided waves to achieve high quality factor. This substitution eliminates the need for complex vacuum chambers while maintaining high Q-factor performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulk mechanical resonators to two-dimensional membrane structures. The mechanical resonator is designed as a thin membrane with dimensions much larger in the plane than in the vertical direction. This dimensional change reduces mass and allows for higher frequency operation while enabling integration with planar waveguide structures, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex channel functionalisation is performed, then selectivity is improved, but manufacturing difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveselectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies functionalization selectively to specific regions of the mechanical resonator membrane. Rather than requiring complex functionalization of entire three-dimensional channels, the sensor uses localized functionalization layers on the membrane surface where target molecules are most likely to bind. This localized approach maintains high selectivity while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process.

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

The sensor achieves high sensitivity and resolution with reduced mechanical energy losses, enabling fast and efficient detection of biological species in liquids, while being easier to produce and operate compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

The mechanical resonator vibrates in an in-plane volume mode of the sensor and at high frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

at least one optical resonator and at least one mechanical resonator coupled to each other, at least one guide wave optically coupled to the optical resonator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20230081434A1Sensor for detecting a target analyte in a liquid medium with an optical resonator coupled to a mechanical resonator

Publication Date: 2023.03.16 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A concentration sensor for at least one biological species in the blood includes a support, at least one waveguide, and an optomechanical resonator suspended from the support. The optomechanical resonator is optically coupled to the waveguide, and the optomechanical resonator is configured to vibrate in volume mode and includes at least one face extending in the plane of the sensor and configured to receive molecules of the given species. At least the face includes a functionalisation layer specific to the species, the optomechanical resonator having a smaller dimension in a direction normal to the plane of the sensor compared with the dimensions of the said face.