Multi-channel SPR Sensor Using Beam Profile Ellipsometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors lack sensitivity for measuring biomaterials, particularly for low molecular materials conjugated to target proteins, and are limited to single-channel measurements, making it difficult to achieve precise real-time analysis of bio-material properties.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel surface plasmon resonance sensor using beam profile ellipsometry with a vertical illumination type focused-beam ellipsometer and a SPR sensing part with a metal thin film, refractive index matching material, and glass substrate, allowing simultaneous detection of amplitude and phase changes for enhanced sensitivity and multi-channel analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional SPR sensor uses only reflectance ratio measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is deteriorated due to lack of phase change detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ellipsometry and SPR measurement systems into a unified multi-channel sensor platform. The ellipsometer components (polarizer, analyzer, detector) are integrated with the SPR sensing part to simultaneously measure both amplitude (reflectance ratio) and phase changes, resolving the contradiction by merging two measurement capabilities into one device that achieves higher precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both conventional SPR measurement and ellipsometric phase detection using the same optical path and detection infrastructure. This universal design allows the system to extract multiple parameters (amplitude, phase, multiple wavelengths) from a single measurement setup, improving measurement precision while keeping device complexity manageable through shared components
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional SPR sensor uses single-channel measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened due to inability to measure multi-channel samples
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels, each capable of detecting SPR and ellipsometric parameters at different wavelengths or positions. This segmentation allows the system to handle multi-channel samples simultaneously while maintaining relatively simple individual channel designs, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement capability from a single-channel to multi-channel by adding a dimensional aspect (multiple wavelengths or spatial positions) to the measurement system. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to simultaneously analyze multiple samples or multiple aspects of a single sample, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through structured multi-dimensional data acquisition
3Measurement precision
If conventional SPR sensor measures only amplitude changes, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision is reduced due to insufficient sensitivity for low molecular materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase change detection as an intermediary measurement parameter that serves as a mediator between the optical measurement and the biological interaction. Phase changes provide enhanced sensitivity for detecting low molecular material binding events, acting as an intermediary signal that amplifies the detection capability beyond what amplitude alone can provide, thereby improving precision while adding controlled complexity
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, high-sensitive measurement of bio-material properties and conjugation dynamics across multiple channels, surpassing the limitations of conventional SPR sensors by optimizing phase change detection for improved precision.
Implementation Method 1
a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing part deposited with a metal thin film (or a high numerical aperture objective lens, a refractive index matching material, a glass substrate deposited with a metal thin film) so as to allow real-time SPR measurement
Implementation Method 2
a polarizer for polarizing light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 3
a vertical illumination type focused-beam ellipsometer in which light is polarized, a part of the polarized light is focused to a metal thin film by using an objective lens part
Implementation Method 4
an ellipsometer using an analyzer, and a high numerical aperture objective lens part deposited with a metal thin film so as to allow real-time SPR measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-channel surface plasmon resonance sensor using beam profile ellipsometry; and, more particularly, to a high sensitive measuring technology, which is coupled with a vertical illumination type focused-beam ellipsometer using a multi-incident angle measurement method, and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing part deposited with a metal thin film. The multi-channel surface plasmon resonance sensor includes a vertical illumination type focused-beam ellipsometer in which light is polarized; a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing part which is provided at the objective lens part of the focused-beam ellipsometer; and a multi-channel flow unit which supplies a buffer solution containing a bio material binding to or dissociation from a metal thin film generating surface plasmon.