Waveguide Aperture Array for Signal Demultiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide structures lack precise control over out-of-plane signal detection, particularly for complex applications involving demultiplexing of signals from multiple fluid channels and varying excitation spot-patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of waveguide structures with aperture layers comprising arrays of apertures, both above and below the fluid channels, to control light transmission and emission, allowing for precise spatial and temporal patterns that enable demultiplexing of signals by matching signal patterns with aperture configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-plane or out-of-plane waveguides are used for signal collection, then signal collection capability is provided, but precise control over out-of-plane signal detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the signal collection function into multiple aperture elements arranged in specific patterns. Each aperture or aperture pattern is associated with specific fluid channels, enabling segmented detection of signals from different channels. This segmentation allows precise control over which signals are detected and from which channels, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and demultiplexing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by creating spatially varying aperture patterns where different regions of the aperture array have different transmission characteristics. Specific aperture patterns are positioned to selectively transmit signals from specific fluid channels to specific detection regions, providing localized control over signal detection precision and channel-specific demultiplexing.
2Measurement precision
If aperture arrays are introduced to control light transmission, then signal detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves universality by designing aperture patterns that simultaneously perform multiple functions: they define detection zones for precise signal detection, enable spatial demultiplexing of signals from multiple channels, and control excitation light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving detection precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of excitation light control and emission signal detection into a single aperture layer structure. The same aperture patterns that define excitation zones also define collection zones for emitted signals, combining multiple optical functions into one integrated component. This merging approach improves signal detection precision while minimizing the increase in device 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
This approach enhances the ability to accurately detect and differentiate signals from multiple fluid channels, improving signal-to-noise ratio and enabling precise analyte detection and identification.
Implementation Method 1
the aperture layer comprises an array of apertures disposed beneath the one or more hollow-core analyte channels to allow output/emission light to pass out of the one or more hollow-core analyte channels and through the aperture layer in a spatial pattern defined by the array of apertures
Implementation Method 2
When excited by an excitation light source, the analytes in the one or more hollow-core analyte channels may emit output light signals, such as by fluorescing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A waveguiding structure (100) includes one or more fluid channels (118) intersected by a waveguide (114). An aperture layer (470) of the waveguide structure includes an array of apertures (472) adjacent to the one or more fluid channels, such that the array of apertures may allow emission signals from analytes in the fluid channels to pass through the aperture layer for detection. The aperture layer may be etched using a first etching step, while an air-gap in a substrate of the waveguiding structure may be etched using a second etching step, wherein the first etching step has a higher level of precision than the second etching step. The array of apertures may comprise one or more one-dimensional signature patterns of apertures associated with specific fluid channels of the device, such that the signature patterns may be used to demultiplex signals and to correlate a signal with one of the plurality of channels.