Spectral Sensing System with Integrated Interrogator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensing systems require complex and expensive equipment, such as high-resolution spectrometers and tuneable lasers, making them unsuitable for point-of-care or in-field applications due to their size and cost, limiting their use mainly to lab instruments.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensing system with an integrated interrogator and multiple detectors configured in a resonant-cavity structure, capable of detecting spectral shifts using a broad-spectrum light source, such as LEDs, and accommodating both sample and reference sensor parts to measure differential wavelength shifts, allowing for accurate and sensitive measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution spectrometer is used for spectral measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer is segmented into three separate detectors, each equipped with a specific filter (long-pass, band-pass, short-pass) to detect different wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve spectral measurement capabilities without requiring a single complex high-resolution spectrometer, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting specific wavelength ranges, providing spectral information, and enabling differential measurements. The detectors work together as an integrated system that can measure both absolute and differential wavelength shifts, making the system versatile without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a high-resolution spectrometer is used for spectral measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides spectral detection into three separate detector units, each with a specific filter. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, less expensive detectors rather than requiring a single high-resolution spectrometer, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining the ability to perform precise spectral measurements through the combined output of all three detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard, commercially available detectors and filters rather than expensive specialized components. These are relatively inexpensive, off-the-shelf items that can be easily manufactured and replaced, making the overall system cost-effective while achieving the required measurement precision for spectral resonance detection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to measure differential wavelength shifts, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three detectors are merged into a single integrated interrogator unit with a common optical path and shared control electronics. This merging approach allows the system to perform differential wavelength shift measurements with high precision while avoiding the complexity of three separate independent measurement systems, as the detectors work协同 within a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated interrogator as an intermediary component that coordinates the three detectors. This intermediary processes the signals from all detectors, performs the differential calculations, and outputs the final measurement results, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from directly connecting multiple detectors to multiple processing channels.
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 system achieves high measurement accuracy and sensitivity, enabling precise spectral resonance measurements while reducing the need for expensive equipment, making it suitable for point-of-care and in-field applications with improved sensitivity and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
sensing based on a spectral modulation is well known
Implementation Method 2
measurement of a change of refractive index within or next to the sensor, induced by the measurand
Implementation Method 3
angular characteristics (in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors)
Implementation Method 4
spectrum (photonic crystal (PhC) or 'guided-mode-resonance' sensors)
Implementation Method 5
at least one detector configured for detecting part of the spectrum of the light directed from the sensing area of the sensing element
Implementation Method 6
the filter elements and the detectors are co-integrated in a resonant-cavity detector structure. This configuration further improves the sensitivity of the detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensing system comprising at least one light emitting source, a sensing element comprising a sensing area, and an optical means for directing light being emitted by the at least one light emitting source onto the sensing area of the sensing element and for directing light being transmitted or reflected from the sensing area of the sensing element to an integrated interrogator; the interrogator having at least one detector configured for detecting part of the spectrum of the light directed from the sensing area of the sensing element.