SPR Detection Apparatus Angular Resolution Response Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques face limitations in response time and angular resolution, making it difficult to detect fast molecular interactions and small changes, and are affected by temperature fluctuations and impurities in micro-fluidic applications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a radiation source and detectors to monitor changes in the SPR angle by exciting collective oscillations in a metallic layer, with a light projection system and position-sensitive photodetectors to achieve high resolution and stability, and includes a dielectric body to support the metallic layer and a holder, cell, and gasket assembly for precise measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional SPR techniques are used, then the detection method is simple and widely applicable, but the response time is slow and angular resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent detectors arranged in an array, each detecting light at different angles simultaneously. This segmentation of the detection function allows parallel measurement of multiple angular positions, achieving high angular resolution without sequential scanning, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential angular scanning to two-dimensional simultaneous detection by arranging detectors in an array across the angular spectrum. This dimensional change enables parallel acquisition of angular information, achieving high angular resolution while maintaining fast response time through simultaneous measurement.
2Measurement precision
If conventional SPR techniques are used, then the setup is simple, but the sensitivity for detecting small quantities of molecules is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple detectors segmented across the angular spectrum, each contributing to the overall detection sensitivity. By distributing detection across multiple independent elements rather than relying on a single detector, the system achieves enhanced sensitivity for detecting small molecular quantities while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus architecture.
3Measurement precision
If micro-fluidic SPR applications are used, then the detection capability is enhanced, but background signal drift occurs due to temperature fluctuations and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reference channel that receives the same environmental conditions (temperature, impurities) as the measurement channel but does not contain the analyte. By continuously monitoring the reference channel and using it to compensate for background drift in the measurement channel, the system maintains high detection accuracy while ensuring measurement stability despite environmental fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference channel acts as an intermediary that mediates the effect of environmental disturbances. It captures temperature fluctuations and impurity effects separately, allowing these common-mode disturbances to be identified and subtracted from the measurement signal, thereby preserving both detection accuracy and measurement stability.
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 apparatus provides high angular resolution and fast response times, improving sensitivity and accuracy by detecting small molecular changes and reducing background noise, enhancing the detection of molecules and structural changes.
Implementation Method 1
surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is one well-known technique that researches have been using for such detection
Implementation Method 2
a material capable of reflecting the beam of radiation with a first characteristic and capable of reflecting the beam of radiation with a second characteristic when the material interacts with the one or more substances
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting one or more substances includes a radiation source emitting a beam of radiation and also includes a material capable of reflecting the beam of radiation with a first characteristic and capable of reflecting the beam of radiation with a second characteristic when the material interacts with the one or more substances. The apparatus also includes two or more radiation detectors to detect the first and second characteristics of the beam of radiation. A first one of the two or more radiation detectors is adjustably aligned to detect the first and second characteristics of the beam of radiation reflected from a first region of the material. A second one of the two or more radiation detectors is adjustably aligned to detect the first and second characteristics of the beam of radiation reflected from a second region of the material.