Photonic Embedded Reference Sensor for Signal Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems, such as optical sensors, face challenges in providing a stable reference signal due to signal drift and environmental changes, limiting their ability to accurately detect target analytes in dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A photonic sensing system with a reference sensor embedded within the system, utilizing a selectively permeable encapsulation material to allow diffusion of a reference substance while keeping the target analyte out, enabling simultaneous target and reference signal measurement and compensation for system fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference sensor is embedded within the photonic integrated circuit, then the reference signal stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference sensor is embedded within the photonic integrated circuit, merging the reference sensing function with the target sensing function into a single integrated device. This allows both sensors to share the same chip structure, optical components, and processing circuitry, improving reference signal stability while controlling overall device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting both target analytes and reference substances simultaneously. By making the circuit universal, it handles both sensing tasks using shared optical sources, waveguides, and detectors, thereby improving reference signal reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If an encapsulation material is used to selectively permeate reference substance, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation material is applied locally around the reference sensor, providing selective permeability only where needed. This localized application allows the reference substance to reach the reference sensor while blocking other substances, improving measurement precision without requiring the entire device to be complexly structured.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation material acts as an intermediary between the reference sensor and the sample environment. It selectively allows the reference substance to pass through while blocking other components, thereby improving measurement precision by ensuring the reference sensor only detects the intended analyte without interference.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed using known concentrations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to dynamic changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static calibration to dynamic reference measurement. The embedded reference sensor continuously provides a reference signal that adapts to changing environmental conditions, allowing the system to maintain calibration accuracy while adapting to dynamic changes in temperature, pH, and other environmental factors during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference sensor provides continuous feedback about environmental conditions by measuring the reference substance. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust and compensate for environmental changes, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring frequent recalibration and adapting to changing conditions in real-time.
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
This approach allows for accurate detection of target analytes by providing a dynamic reference signal that adapts to changes, improving the stability and accuracy of sensing systems in various environments, including biological and chemical applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a selectively permeable encapsulation material to allow diffusion of a reference substance while keeping the target analyte out
Implementation Method 2
The encapsulation material may be selectively permeable to the reference substance with respect to the target analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system comprises a photonics integrated circuit partially encapsulated by an encapsulation material and the photonics integrated circuit comprising a first integrated sensor accessible to a target analyte and being positioned in a part of the photonics integrated circuit not being encapsulated by an encapsulation material, and a second integrated sensor accessible to a reference substance and being positioned in a part of the photonics integrated circuit that is encapsulated by an encapsulation material. The sensing system is further adapted to, when in use, comprise the reference substance but less or no target analyte between the second integrated sensor and the encapsulation material as compared to the amount of target analyte being present at the first integrated sensor.