Tilted Image Sensor for Plasmonic Detection Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices for biochemical substance detection face challenges in achieving high spatial image resolution without increasing size or manufacturing costs, as they require complex optical structures that are not suitable for portable designs.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing a planar plasmonic element with dielectric and metallic regions and a two-dimensional image sensor positioned at a non-parallel angle to enhance spatial image resolution, allowing for improved detection of analytes with reduced system size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex optical structures are used to achieve higher spatial image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilted sensor plane positioned at an angle θ relative to the optical axis, moving the detection surface from a conventional perpendicular arrangement to a three-dimensional angled configuration. This dimensional change allows the sensor to capture diffracted light at multiple angles simultaneously, enhancing spatial resolution without requiring complex multi-element optical systems. The tilted plane effectively transforms a two-dimensional detection problem into a three-dimensional solution space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameter of the sensor plane orientation by introducing a tilt angle θ. This parameter change fundamentally alters how light interacts with the sensor array, enabling the system to resolve finer spatial details through angular separation of diffracted orders. By tuning the tilt angle, the system optimizes resolution for specific diffraction patterns without changing the fundamental optical architecture.
2Measurement precision
If complex optical structures are used to achieve higher spatial image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By tilting the sensor plane, the patent achieves enhanced resolution using a single modified detection surface rather than multiple optical elements. This dimensional approach simplifies manufacturing because it requires only one angled sensor substrate instead of assembling complex lens systems, beam splitters, or multiple detectors. The solution leverages geometric configuration rather than additional manufactured components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the resolution-enhancing function from complex optical components and concentrates it entirely in the tilted sensor plane geometry. By removing the need for additional optical elements and placing all resolution-enhancement functionality in the sensor orientation itself, the system reduces manufacturing steps, material requirements, and assembly complexity while maintaining high spatial resolution.
3Device complexity
If the sensor is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis, then device simplicity is maintained, but spatial image resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tilts the sensor plane at angle θ relative to the optical axis, transforming the detection geometry from a simple perpendicular arrangement to an angled three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the sensor to capture diffracted light paths that would otherwise overlap on a perpendicular plane, thereby resolving finer spatial details while adding only one geometric parameter to the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device size is reduced for portability, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the angular dimension through a tilted sensor plane, the patent achieves high spatial resolution within a compact footprint. The tilt angle enables the sensor to capture expanded diffraction patterns that would otherwise require a larger detector area, thus maintaining resolution performance while reducing the overall device size and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilted sensor configuration dynamically utilizes the angular distribution of diffracted light to maximize information capture within a limited sensor area. This dynamic geometric arrangement allows compact devices to achieve resolution performance comparable to larger systems by efficiently packing the detection geometry rather than simply scaling down components.
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 enhanced spatial image resolution and reduced size by tilting the image sensor, enabling more detailed analysis of analytes while maintaining cost-effectiveness, particularly beneficial for portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the diffraction element having one or more features that can generate plasmon waves upon receipt of the light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional diffraction element that interacts with the light from the light source... to detect a diffraction pattern projected thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system includes a planar plasmonic element for analyzing an analyte, the plasmonic element having dielectric and metallic regions, the plasmonic element emitting light that carries detected information; and a planar two-dimensional image sensor positioned in non-parallel angled relationship with respect to a plane of the plasmonic element to enhance a spatial image resolution for the light that carries detected information with respect to at least a portion of the light.