Waveguide-Coupled Flow Cell Layout for Unblocked Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cells for biological or chemical research, particularly in multiplex assays and DNA sequencing, face limitations due to their large size and high cost, as well as the obstruction of light paths by non-transparent or light-scattering features, which hinder efficient excitation and emission light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell design incorporating a waveguide integration layer with optical coupling structures over a molding layer covering a light detection device, allowing light waves from a source to excite light-sensitive materials in nanowells, while minimizing the need for a separate light source and enabling the integration of non-transparent features for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optically non-transparent features are added to the top layer of flow cells with CMOS detectors, then functionality is improved, but light paths are blocked or perturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the optical interaction from a planar top-layer configuration to a three-dimensional integrated structure where the waveguide runs beneath the CMOS detector. This dimensional reorganization allows functional features to exist in the vertical dimension without blocking the horizontal light paths required for optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is nested within the same layer as the CMOS detector, with the waveguide integration layer containing both the waveguide and the detector in a vertically stacked configuration. This nesting allows both optical guidance and detection functionality to coexist without spatial interference.
2Reliability
If a waveguide integration layer with optical coupling structures is integrated into the bottom layer, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide integration layer merges multiple functions into a single layer: optical waveguide functionality, optical coupling structures for light input, and CMOS detector integration. This consolidation improves light coupling efficiency while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide integration layer serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it guides excitation light to the nanowells, detects emitted light through the integrated CMOS detector, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and maintains manageable device complexity.
3Productivity
If dual-sequencing surfaces are implemented, then data acquisition efficiency is improved, but light path obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dual-sequencing surfaces by utilizing the vertical dimension beneath the CMOS detector for waveguide integration. This allows two independent sequencing surfaces to be positioned at different vertical levels, both accessible through the same lateral light input area, thereby improving data acquisition without increasing light path obstruction.
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 design enhances the efficiency of light transmission and detection, reduces the size and cost of the flow cell, and allows for faster sequencing kinetics by integrating illumination and detection functionality within a common layer, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and enabling smaller nanowell sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the waveguide integration layer comprises optical coupling structures on portions of a top surface of the waveguide integration layer over the top surface of the first region, and over the top surface of the second region, wherein the optical coupling structures couple light waves from a light source to the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the waveguide utilizes the light waves from the waveguide integration layer to excite light sensitive materials in one or more nanowells
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein include various examples of an apparatus, flow cells that include these examples of the apparatus, and methods of making these examples of the apparatus. The apparatus can include a molding layer over a substrate and covering sides of a light detection device. The molding layer comprises a first region and a second region, which, with the active surface of the light detection device, form a contiguous surface. A waveguide integration layer is between the contiguous surface and a waveguide. The waveguide integration layer comprises optical coupling structures over the first and second regions, to optically couple light waves from a light source to the waveguide. The waveguide utilizes the light waves to excite light sensitive materials in nanowells. A nanostructure layer over the waveguide comprises the nanowells. Each nanowell shares a vertical axis with a location on the active surface of the light detection device.