Oscillation Unit for Dielectric Constant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices are unable to detect changes in the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant with sufficient sensitivity, particularly in the frequency region around 100 GHz, limiting their ability to accurately assess the hydration state of inspection objects containing moisture.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with an oscillation unit formed on a semiconductor integrated circuit, including capacitors connected in series to an inspection object, which changes the oscillation frequency in response to the complex dielectric constant, allowing for the detection of both real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant, particularly in the 30 to 200 GHz frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a resonator with plate electrodes is used to detect dielectric constant changes, then the real part of the complex dielectric constant can be detected, but the imaginary part cannot be detected with sufficient sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from 6-30 GHz to 30-200 GHz, specifically targeting the 100 GHz region where the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant shows significant variation due to water relaxation phenomena. This frequency parameter change enables detection of the imaginary part with sufficient sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a varactor diode to dynamically adjust the capacitance value in the oscillation unit, enabling the system to operate across a wide frequency range (30-200 GHz). This dynamic capacitance adjustment allows the sensor to adapt and detect both real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric constant effectively
2Measurement precision
If the oscillation frequency is limited to 6-30 GHz, then the sensor can operate with existing designs, but it cannot detect the complex dielectric constant with sufficient sensitivity in the 100 GHz region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the frequency parameter from the conventional 6-30 GHz range to 30-200 GHz, specifically targeting 100 GHz where water's relaxation phenomenon causes significant changes in the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant. This enables precise detection of hydration states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a varactor diode to provide dynamic capacitance control, enabling the oscillation frequency to be adjusted across the 30-200 GHz range. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the sensor to reach and operate at the optimal 100 GHz frequency for detecting the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant
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 sensitive detection of the hydration state of inspection objects by monitoring changes in the oscillation frequency, effectively assessing the state of water and biopolymers, and improving the monitoring of cell cultures and glucose levels in biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
In a case where a dielectric constant of the inspection object 100 that is near the sensing electrodes 105 changes, a parasitic capacitance value to the sensing electrodes 105 changes and the resonant frequency of the resonator 104 changes
Implementation Method 2
by checking not only a real part but also the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant in a frequency region in a vicinity of 100 GHz, it is possible to check states of the living body and a biopolymer
Implementation Method 3
The resonator 104 is constituted by inductors L1 and L2, two sensing electrodes 105 that are made in contact with an inspection object 100, and a capacitor C3. A resonant frequency of the resonator 104 is 6 to 30 GHz
Implementation Method 4
in a case where the solute is an electrolyte like NaCl, a hydration phenomenon in which a water molecule is constrained by the solute occurs due to electrolytic dissociation of the solute to ion. In a case where the solute is a nonelectrolyte like sugar, a hydration phenomenon occurs through electrostatic force or hydrogen bonding that is caused by a deviation of polarities in solute molecules
Implementation Method 5
A hydration phenomenon is also largely involved in activity of a macromolecule such as protein. In aqueous solution, when a water molecule is replaced with protein, bulk water (water in which a water molecule is sufficiently away from, a solute and not bound with protein) is reduced, so that a dielectric constant of the bulk water changes to a dielectric constant of the protein
Data Source
AI summary
A change in an imaginary part of a complex dielectric constant of an inspection object containing moisture is detected as a change in an oscillation frequency. A sensor device includes an oscillation unit that is formed in a semiconductor integrated circuit and an oscillation frequency detection unit that detects an oscillation frequency of the oscillation unit. The oscillation unit has capacitors that are connected to an inspection object in series and changes the oscillation frequency in accordance with a complex dielectric constant of the inspection object.