Waveguide Interferometry for Accurate Viral Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing devices face challenges in efficiently and accurately detecting viral indicators due to structural limitations, environmental temperature variations, and contamination, which affect the accuracy and reliability of virus detection.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sample testing device incorporating an integrated optical component with a waveguide, collimator, and beam splitter, coupled with a light source emitting a laser beam, which uses interferometry to detect viral indicators by analyzing interference fringe patterns and refractive index changes, and includes a computer-implemented method for processing interference fringe data to determine sample identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sample testing devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to structural limitations and environmental temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a waveguide module for light propagation, an integrated optical component module for beam manipulation, and a detection module for signal analysis. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system accuracy and reducing the impact of environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection systems with an optical-based interferometry system. By using light propagation through waveguides and optical components instead of mechanical sensors, the system achieves higher detection accuracy while being less susceptible to mechanical wear and environmental temperature variations.
2Measurement precision
If interferometry-based detection is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to integrated optical components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions (beam splitting, collimation, and detection) are merged into a single integrated optical component that couples with the waveguide. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the high detection accuracy of interferometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter to create interference patterns, a collimator to focus light, and a coupling interface for the waveguide. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If environmental temperature control is not implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection reliability deteriorates due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide-based optical system inherently provides stability against temperature variations through its physical principles. The interferometry detection method measures relative changes in light propagation, which automatically compensates for uniform temperature drifts, providing self-stabilization without requiring active temperature control systems.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of virus detection by utilizing interferometry to analyze refractive index changes and interference patterns, providing reliable identification of viral indicators despite environmental variations and structural limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and an integrated optical component. In some examples, the integrated optical component may be coupled to the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the integrated optical component may comprise a collimator and a beam splitter. In some examples, the beam splitter may comprise a first prism and a second prism
Implementation Method 3
utilize interferometry to detect the presence of virus and/or other viral indicator of protein content in a collected sample
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided. For example, an example sample testing device may include a substrate layer defining a bottom surface of the sample testing device, as well as a waveguide disposed on the substrate layer and includes at least one reference channel and at least one sample channel.