Single Ion Detection via Ellipsometry Phase Singularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical biosensors face challenges in detecting single ions or charged small molecules due to low sensitivity and inability to effectively analyze their interactions, particularly in real-time and high-throughput applications.
Innovation Solution
A single ion imaging detection method and device utilizing a total internal reflection ellipsometry imager with an electromodulation singularity coupling differential imaging reaction unit, applying a high-frequency sinusoidal modulating signal to enhance sensitivity and suppress noise, allowing real-time observation of single ions or charged molecules at the solid-liquid interface through differential signal processing and noise reduction techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensing technologies are used, then the detection system is simple and easy to operate, but the sensitivity is insufficient for detecting single ions or charged small molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is divided into working sensing surface and reference sensing surface, allowing differential measurement to eliminate common-mode noise and enhance single ion detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent operates near the ellipsometry phase transition singularity where the phase difference changes rapidly with small variations in refractive index, dramatically enhancing detection sensitivity for single ion events
2Measurement precision
If conventional total internal reflection ellipsometry biosensor is used, then high throughput and real-time detection are achieved, but the sensitivity for single ions or charged small molecules is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional intensity-based detection to phase-based detection by measuring ellipsometry phase differences, adding a new measurement dimension that provides enhanced sensitivity while maintaining real-time capability
Solution Approach 2:
A high-frequency sinusoidal modulating signal is applied to the working sensing surface, enabling lock-in detection and Fourier analysis to extract weak single ion signals from noise while maintaining high throughput
3Loss of information
If conventional optical biosensors are used, then the detection method is simple, but the ability to analyze interactions of charged small biomolecules is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The differential imaging reaction unit provides real-time feedback on the interaction between ions/charged molecules and the sensing surface, enabling systematic analysis of binding kinetics and interaction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects changes in optical properties (phase, reflection, absorption) caused by adsorption of ions or charged molecules, translating invisible molecular interactions into measurable optical signal changes
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 real-time detection of single ions or charged molecules with high sensitivity, surpassing conventional methods by achieving single-molecule detection levels and effectively analyzing interactions without size restrictions, while maintaining high throughput and minimal sample damage.
Implementation Method 1
a probe beam from a total internal reflection ellipsometry imager is reflected by the electromodulation singularity coupling differential imaging reaction unit
Implementation Method 2
singularity effect at a surface plasma resonance angle on an ellipsometry phase
Data Source
AI summary
A single ion imaging-based detection method and device are provided. After being reflected by an electromodulation singularity coupling differential imaging reaction unit, a probe beam from a total internal reflection ellipsometry imager converges on a CCD or CMOS detector, the acquired sensing surface image data is transmitted to a signal processing unit, the common mode noise is eliminated by performing spectral analysis on differential signals of a working sensing surface and a reference sensing surface, the peak intensity of a modulating signal is selected on the spectrum for wave filtering to obtain a real-time signal of interaction of single ions or charged molecules at a solid-liquid interface. Based on the singularity effect at a surface plasma resonance angle of an ellipsometry phase and a corresponding optical signal noise suppression scheme, the present application can achieve real-time observation of the adsorption of single ions or charged molecules at a solid surface.