Paraboloid Nanostructures for Angle-Independent Surface Plasmon Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metamaterials are not angle-independent and cannot be embedded in the eye, making them unsuitable for measuring intraocular pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A metamaterial structure comprising a substrate with paraboloid-shaped, periodic nanostructures that operate in a normal-to-plane mode, reducing the dependence of the peak wavelength on the angle of incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional metamaterials are used, then sensing capability is achieved, but angle dependence increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs paraboloid-shaped nanostructures instead of conventional planar or spherical metamaterials. The paraboloid geometry creates a normal-to-plane surface plasmon mode that is inherently less sensitive to angle of incidence variations, thereby reducing angle dependence while maintaining sensing capability. The curved paraboloid surface focuses light interaction in a manner that stabilizes the resonance condition across different incident angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the metamaterial nanostructures by adopting a paraboloid shape with specific aspect ratios and dimensions. This parameter change transforms the surface plasmon resonance characteristics to achieve angle-independent behavior. The specific paraboloid geometry parameters are optimized to create a normal-to-plane mode that maintains consistent optical response across varying incident angles.
2Measurement precision
If conventional metamaterials are used, then sensing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The paraboloid-shaped nanostructures provide a geometric solution that achieves angle-independent sensing without requiring complex multi-layer structures or additional components. The single geometric feature of the paraboloid shape inherently provides the angle-insensitive response, simplifying the overall device architecture compared to conventional metamaterials that require precise angular alignment.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used for intraocular pressure measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but size is large and angle dependence is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into discrete paraboloid-shaped nanostructures that can be integrated into compact sensor devices. This segmentation allows for miniaturization of the sensing element while maintaining the angle-independent optical response, enabling small-form-factor intraocular pressure sensors that do not require large alignment tolerances.
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 metamaterial structure achieves a significantly reduced change in peak wavelength with varying angles of incidence, enabling angle-independent performance and potential applications in pressure sensing and chemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A surface plasmon mode, where the spectrum may cause a charge distribution on the metamaterial's nanostructured surface that may oscillate between a positive and negative charge periodically
Implementation Method 2
The surface plasmon mode, also known as normal-to-plane mode, together with the distribution of the nanostructures, may interact together to reflect one wavelength from the spectrum at a much greater intensity than other wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
The present example embodiment relates generally to creating a specific nanostructure on a substrate to improve the angle independence of a surface plasmon resonance mode. It may comprise a metamaterial structure comprising nanostructures located in a pattern on or within a substrate. The nanostructures may be paraboloid shaped and periodic.