Partially Encapsulated Sensing Chip With Exposed Waveguide Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio-sensing technologies using optical waveguides face challenges in efficiently detecting analyte levels in samples due to limitations in sample handling, alignment, and optical coupling, particularly in partially encapsulated waveguide-based sensing chips.
Innovation Solution
The development of partially encapsulated waveguide-based sensing chips with exposed edge regions for optical coupling, integrated fluidic handling components, and alignment features, such as florescent markers, to facilitate precise alignment and efficient sample processing within a cartridge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensing chip is fully encapsulated in a housing, then protection and integration are improved, but optical coupling efficiency and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to partially encapsulate the sensing chip, creating distinct encapsulated and exposed regions. This segmentation allows the chip to be protected where needed while maintaining optical access at specific edge regions for excitation and collection waveguides, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensing chip are treated differently: some regions are encapsulated for protection and fluidic handling, while edge regions are exposed for optical coupling. This local differentiation enables simultaneous achievement of protection and precise optical alignment.
2Strength
If the waveguides are fully enclosed, then structural integrity is improved, but optical coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is segmented into enclosed portions for structural support and exposed edge portions for optical coupling. This allows the waveguides to maintain structural integrity while enabling efficient light coupling at the exposed edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguides are configured to extend to the edges of the chip, utilizing the two-dimensional surface of the chip to provide both structural strength through the bulk material and optical access at the boundaries.
3Measurement precision
If alignment features are added to the sensing chip, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluorescent markers are applied to specific locations on the sensing chip to provide visual alignment references. These markers emit light at specific wavelengths that can be detected by the optical system, enabling precise alignment without adding complex mechanical alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent markers serve as intermediary alignment features that mediate between the optical system and the chip structure. They provide a simple, detectable signal for alignment purposes without requiring complex mechanical or geometric features.
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 accurate detection of analyte levels by allowing evanescent coupling and efficient optical alignment, improving the reliability and precision of bio-sensing applications while simplifying sample handling and integration with optical readers.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation waveguide and the collection waveguide are evanescently coupled
Implementation Method 2
one or more alignment waveguides that are coated with a florescent marker
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
Optical readers and alignment tools for detecting the level of an analyte. Described herein are small, disposable partially-encapsulated sensing chips for detecting an analyte level from a fluid sample (e.g., a blood sample) having an edge of the integrated sensing chip exposed to directly expose a plurality of excitation and a collection waveguides, as well as optical readers and methods of operating them. A fluid sample maybe applied to a sensing surface of the sensing chip in the housing so that an analyte level can be optically detected. Also described are methods of sensing an analyte using these devices and systems including an optical detector.