Multi-pass Ring Waveguide Sensor for Fluid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sensors, such as straight waveguides, are relatively insensitive and require long lengths or fragile mesh constructions to identify varied liquids, making them prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-pass ring waveguides with bended or ring-shaped interaction regions that allow multiple passes of light through a specimen, enhancing sensitivity and reducing size while being more robust, utilizing materials like silicon and photonic crystals for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If straight waveguide configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but sensitivity is insufficient requiring very long lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transforming the straight waveguide into a ring-shaped waveguide configuration. This curved geometry enables the light to circulate multiple times through the interaction region, effectively increasing the interaction length and sensitivity without requiring a proportionally longer device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring waveguide creates periodic action by allowing light to circulate repeatedly through the same interaction region. Each circulation provides additional interaction opportunities with the analyte, accumulating sensitivity enhancement without linearly increasing device length.
2Measurement precision
If multiple waveguides are formed as a mesh to increase sensitivity, then sensitivity improves, but structural fragility increases making it susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple waveguide functions into a single ring-shaped waveguide structure. Instead of using multiple separate waveguides arranged in a mesh, the ring configuration integrates the light circulation function and interaction function into one continuous structure, reducing structural complexity and fragility while maintaining enhanced sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved ring geometry provides structural robustness compared to mesh configurations. The continuous curved path distributes mechanical stress more evenly and eliminates the multiple connection points and joints in mesh structures that are prone to failure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining sensitivity enhancement.
3Measurement precision
If very long waveguide lengths are used to compensate for low sensitivity, then sensitivity increases, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring waveguide implements periodic action where light circulates through the interaction region multiple times. This allows the system to achieve high sensitivity equivalent to very long waveguide lengths using a compact, simple ring structure, thereby avoiding the complexity and large size associated with linearly extended waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved ring configuration packs the effective interaction length into a compact footprint. By bending the waveguide into a ring, the system achieves long effective path length for sensitivity without the linear spatial extension required by straight waveguides, reducing overall device complexity and size.
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 multi-pass ring waveguide configuration significantly enhances the absorption rate and sensitivity for fluid detection, allowing for accurate identification of liquid and gas properties with reduced sensor size and increased durability.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-pass ring waveguide configuration significantly enhances the absorption rate and sensitivity for fluid detection
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system having a multi-pass interaction region is disclosed. The system includes an input region, a multi-pass region, and an output region. The input region is configured to receive emitted light. The multi-pass region is coupled to the input region and is configured to absorb portions of the emitted light according to a specimen proximate the multi-pass region. The output region is coupled to the multi-pass region and is configured to provide interacted light from the multi-pass region.