Protected Light Guides for Corrosion-Resistant Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light detection systems for biological or chemical research face challenges such as high costs and large footprints, and solid-state imaging systems struggle with fluidic delivery of reagents, which can corrode electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A light detection device with a reaction structure containing reaction recesses for solutions of specific pH levels, equipped with light sensors, light guides, and a protection layer that prevents interaction with device circuitry, allowing for efficient light emission detection without compromising component integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If solid-state imaging systems are used for light detection, then device footprint and cost are reduced, but electronic components are vulnerable to corrosion from reaction solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional zones: a reaction chamber area where chemical reactions occur, and a detection area with electronic components. This spatial segmentation allows the reaction solution to be confined to specific regions while keeping electronic components separate and protected from direct contact with corrosive solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary protective elements such as protective coatings on light guides and strategic positioning of electronic components behind protective barriers. These intermediaries allow light to pass through while blocking direct contact between reaction solutions and electronic components, thus protecting against corrosion.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems are used for light detection, then detection capability is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems (lenses, mirrors, filters) with solid-state imaging components that can be integrated into a single chip or compact array. This substitution maintains light detection capability while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated structures: light guides are directly coupled to sensor arrays, protective coatings are applied during manufacturing, and reaction chambers are positioned in fixed geometric relationships with detectors. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system.
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 device enables effective detection of light emissions from reactions while protecting the electronic components from corrosive solutions, reducing costs and complexity compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light guides with input regions that receive the excitation light and the light emissions from at least one corresponding reaction recess, the light guides extending into the device base from the input regions toward at least one corresponding light sensor
Implementation Method 2
comprising at least one filter material that filters the excitation light and permits the light emissions to pass to the at least one corresponding light sensor
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light sensors, and device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors to transmit data signals based on photons detected by the light sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Light detection devices and related methods are provided. The devices may comprise a reaction structure for containing a reaction solution with a relatively high or low pH and a plurality of reaction sites that generate light emissions. The devices may comprise a device base comprising a plurality of light sensors, device circuitry coupled to the light sensors, and a plurality of light guides that block excitation light but permit the light emissions to pass to a light sensor. The device base may also include a shield layer extending about each light guide between each light guide and the device circuitry, and a protection layer that is chemically inert with respect to the reaction solution extending about each light guide between each light guide and the shield layer. The protection layer prevents reaction solution that passes through the reaction structure and the light guide from interacting with the device circuitry.