Multi-Wavelength Photonic Sensing Module for Non-Invasive Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices lack non-invasive and cost-effective methods for real-time analysis of biological parameters, particularly for healthy individuals, as minimally invasive technologies are unsuitable for general use and current non-invasive technologies are inadequate in specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing module with a silicon or silicon nitride transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) incorporating multiple lasers and photodetectors, capable of interacting with a gas-phase sample, and optionally including optical manipulation elements, gas cells, and processors for absorption spectroscopy and Mie scattering, integrated into wearable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If minimally invasive technologies (subcutaneous chips, micro-electrodes) are used for biological parameter measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but the device becomes unsuitable for healthy individuals and limited to specific measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces minimally invasive mechanical systems (subcutaneous chips, micro-electrodes penetrating skin) with an optical sensing system that uses light interaction with tissue. The optical sensing module employs multiple lasers at different wavelengths and photodetectors to measure biological parameters non-invasively through optical absorption spectroscopy, eliminating the need for physical penetration while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing module is designed with multiple lasers operating at different wavelengths (including visible and infrared ranges) and multiple photodetectors that can detect various biological parameters simultaneously. This multi-functional design enables the single device to measure diverse parameters such as glucose, lactate, oxygen saturation, and other biomarkers, making it universally applicable to both healthy individuals and medical monitoring scenarios
2Ease of operation
If conventional non-invasive technologies are used for biological parameter sensing, then ease of use is improved, but specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing module segments the optical spectrum into multiple wavelength bands using separate lasers for different spectral regions (visible light lasers and infrared lasers). Each wavelength is optimized for detecting specific biological parameters, with photodetectors configured to measure absorption at corresponding wavelengths. This segmentation enables simultaneous multi-parameter measurement with high specificity while maintaining non-invasive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters (wavelength, intensity) of the light sources to optimize measurement for different biological parameters. By adjusting laser wavelengths across visible and infrared ranges and modulating light intensity, the system achieves high sensitivity and accuracy for various biomarkers while maintaining non-invasive contactless or minimal-contact operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers and photodetectors are integrated on a single PIC for multi-wavelength operation, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lasers operating at different wavelengths and multiple photodetectors onto a single photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The PIC integrates laser sources, optical waveguides, modulators, and photodetector arrays in a unified compact structure, enabling multi-wavelength operation and simultaneous multi-parameter measurement while reducing overall device complexity compared to discrete component arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuit is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously support multiple laser wavelengths and multiple detection functions. The PIC incorporates wavelength-multiplexed optical paths and photodetector arrays that can detect various biological parameters through a single integrated structure, providing multi-functional capability without proportionally increasing complexity
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 module provides a compact, versatile platform for non-invasive measurement of various biomarkers and parameters with high specificity and sensitivity, suitable for wearable devices and other applications, reducing the need for complex detectors and enabling cost-effective, real-time analysis.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensing module with a silicon or silicon nitride transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) incorporating multiple lasers and photodetectors, capable of interacting with a gas-phase sample, and optionally including optical manipulation elements, gas cells, and processors for absorption spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
one or more photodetectors configured to detect light after interaction with the gas-phase sample
Implementation Method 3
processors for absorption spectroscopy and Mie scattering
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing module suitable for a gas phase sample, the optical sensing module comprising: a silicon or silicon nitride transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC), the transmitter PIC comprising: one or more lasers, each laser of the one or more lasers operating at a wavelength that is different from the wavelength of the others; one or more optical outputs for light originating from the one or more lasers, the optical output arranged such that the light interacts with the gas-phase sample; and one or more photodetectors configured to detect light after interaction with the gas-phase sample.