Rotational Symmetric SPR Sensor Unit with Curved Inner Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices face challenges in efficiently analyzing multiple samples due to cumbersome and expensive readout methods, difficulties in manufacturing curved sensor surfaces, and inefficiencies in handling small sample volumes and mass transport, particularly with capillary tubes which require refractive index matching fluids and are prone to optical distortions.
Innovation Solution
A rotational symmetric SPR device with a convex outer and concave inner surface, where the inner surface is coated with a conductive layer to support surface plasmons, and a flow structure is integrated to form compartments for samples, allowing for precise temperature control and simplified optics, enabling multi-spot and large area detection without the need for refractive index matching media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a planar sensor surface with multiple sensor areas is used, then multi-spot detection is enabled, but the readout becomes complex and expensive requiring mechanical scanning or imaging optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the sensor surface by using a capillary tube structure where the sensor areas are arranged on the curved inner surface. This curvature enables multi-spot detection through rotational symmetry while simplifying the readout system, as the curved geometry naturally guides optical paths and eliminates the need for complex mechanical scanning or imaging optics required by planar configurations
2Ease of manufacture
If capillary tubes are used for multi-sensor configuration, then no refractive index matching fluid is needed, but the small diameter and long length make it difficult to cover the inside with metal of precise thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capillary tube into discrete sensor areas or zones along its length, allowing the metal layer to be deposited in controlled segments. This segmentation approach addresses the difficulty of covering the entire inner surface with uniform metal thickness by treating different portions of the tube independently, while still maintaining the overall capillary structure that eliminates the need for refractive index matching fluids
3Ease of manufacture
If capillary tubes with small diameter are used, then no refractive index matching fluid is required, but mass transport and sample volume handling become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension capillary tube approach to a multi-dimensional sensor configuration by arranging multiple sensor areas on the curved inner surface of the capillary. This dimensional expansion allows for improved mass transport and sample volume handling while maintaining the advantage of eliminating refractive index matching fluids through the capillary structure
4Device complexity
If a curved sensor surface is used, then rotational symmetry enables simplified readout, but manufacturing the curved surface with precise metal coating becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the capillary tube wall itself as an intermediary structure that facilitates both the curved sensor surface geometry and the metal layer deposition. The capillary tube serves as a pre-formed intermediary component that provides the curved geometry for simplified readout while its structured wall allows for controlled metal layer deposition, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and readout simplification
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
This configuration simplifies sample analysis, reduces costs, and enhances precision by eliminating the need for refractive index matching substances, allowing for efficient handling and rotation-based scanning, while maintaining high precision and accuracy in measurements, making it suitable for biosensing and gas sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
SPR is a well-known phenomenon that is a bound electromagnetic wave, due to oscillations of electrons at the interface between a plasma and a dielectricum
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor unit for a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) unit, comprising a transparent sensor structure forming at least one wall of a cavity, the wall being defined by a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface The inner surface is provided with a layer of a conductive material capable of supporting a surface plasmon. In the cavity there is provided a flow structure in said cavity so as to form at least one compartment for sample between the flow structure and the inner wall of the cavity: Also a method for the detection of events at a surface by utilizing surface plasmon resonance is provided. It comprises placing a sample with an analyte of interest in a sensor unit as claimed in claim 1, and measuring the reflectance from said sensor unit at a single or plurality of angle/angles.