SPP-Raman Bio-Detection via Grating Coupler and Nanohole Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio-sensing systems face challenges in achieving low false alarm rates, high sensitivity, rapid response times, and the ability to detect biological and chemical analytes from multiple media sources, while also lacking energy efficiency and compactness, making them unsuitable for high-volume applications such as commercial air traffic.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidics chip with a grating coupler and gold nanohole array, combined with SPP-based and Raman scattering-based detection systems, allows for simultaneous or individual detection of biological and chemical analytes, improving reliability and enabling multi-element, highly parallel multi-media sensing with high energy efficiency and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current bio-detectors are used, then detection capability is provided, but false alarm probability is high and sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) resonance detection with Raman scattering detection into a single integrated system. The SPP component provides label-free real-time detection while the Raman component provides molecular fingerprinting, together achieving both high sensitivity and low false alarm rates through multi-modal detection of biological and chemical analytes
2Reliability
If conventional bio-sensing systems are used, then detection of analytes is achieved, but response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The SPP-based detection system operates continuously with real-time monitoring of refractive index changes at the metal-dielectric interface. The continuous excitation of surface plasmons allows for immediate detection of analyte binding events without interruption, achieving rapid response times on the order of minutes or less while maintaining high detection accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-media sensing capability is added, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensing platform that can detect analytes from multiple media types (airborne particles, waterborne samples, exhaled breath) using the same SPP-Raman detection mechanism. The grating coupler and metal film structure remain unchanged while different sampling interfaces accommodate various media, achieving multi-media versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
4Use of energy by moving object
If high energy efficiency and compactness are achieved, then portability is improved, but detection performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulk optical components with thin-film SPP structures that confine electromagnetic fields to sub-wavelength dimensions at the metal-dielectric interface. This substitution enables compact integration while maintaining high detection performance through enhanced light-matter interaction at the nanoscale, achieving both energy efficiency and portability without compromising detection reliability
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 enables rapid and reliable detection of airborne and waterborne biological and chemical analytes, suitable for high-risk environments like hospitals and aircraft, with improved performance criteria and portability, reducing detection errors due to temperature, pressure, and flow variations.
Implementation Method 1
grating coupling allows high-intensity, narrow-featured SPP modes to be achieved. Furthermore, the grating coupling allows for the generation of one or more SPP modes. In an embodiment, a first SPP mode is generated at the gold-liquid interface of the microfluidics chip and a second SPP mode is generated at the gold-glass interface of the microfluidics chip
Implementation Method 2
a Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP)-based system that detects local refractive index changes within the microfluidics chip, which result from binding of the bio-receptor molecules with biological and/or chemical analytes
Implementation Method 3
a Raman scattering-based system that detects Raman-scattered photons, which also result from the binding of the bio-receptor molecules with the biological and/or chemical analytes
Implementation Method 4
The gold layer is etched to form a gold nanohole array. According to embodiments of the present invention, the grating coupling used within the microfluidics chip allows high-intensity, narrow-featured SPP modes to be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for combined SPP and Raman scattering-based bio-detection are provided. Embodiments include a bio-detection system having a microfluidics chip, a Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP)-based system component, and a Raman scattering-based system component. The SPP-based and the Raman scattering-based system components can be used simultaneously or individually separately to detect biological and/or chemical analytes. The bio-detection system further includes an aerosol collector chip. Embodiments of the present invention can be used aboard means of propagation of biological and/or chemical analytes, including, for example, commercial aircrafts. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to enable an aircraft warning system.