Optical Waveguide Substance Analysis via Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing substances, particularly for measuring blood sugar, are not easily, precisely, or cost-effectively implemented, and there is a need for a device and method that can analyze animal or human tissue and liquids with ease, precision, and affordability, while also being compact in size.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a phase shift detection method with a tunable laser or light source, where an excitation beam induces heat and pressure waves in the substance, causing a refractive index change in an optical waveguide structure, leading to a measurable phase shift in detection light, allowing for interferometric measurement of temperature and pressure changes to determine substance concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods for substance analysis are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but ease of operation, precision, and cost-effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical analysis methods with an optical detection system. A test element with a waveguide structure interacts with the substance, and optical properties (refractive index, absorption) are measured to determine substance concentration. This substitution enables easier operation while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a test element as an intermediary between the substance to be analyzed and the detection system. The test element contains a waveguide structure that interacts with the substance and translates its properties into measurable optical signals, simplifying the analysis process while enhancing precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional analysis devices are implemented, then substance analysis is possible, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the waveguide structure directly into the test element, nesting multiple functions within a compact form. The test element serves as both the sample holder and the optical interaction medium, eliminating the need for separate large-scale detection chambers and reducing overall device volume while maintaining analysis precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from bulk material analysis to surface-based optical analysis. By confining the optical interaction to the waveguide structure's evanescent field region at the test element surface, the system achieves high precision analysis with minimal sample volume and compact device footprint.
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 precise, cost-effective, and compact analysis of substance concentrations by accurately measuring phase shifts in the optical waveguide structure, improving the ease and efficiency of glucose or blood sugar measurement in tissues and liquids.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation beam is absorbed by the substance to a greater or lesser extent, releasing heat energy
Implementation Method 2
a phase shift of the detection light is caused in at least part of the first optical waveguide structure due to a change in temperature or pressure
Implementation Method 3
a detection device which comprises: a source of coherent detection light and a first optical waveguide structure
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~6c
Figure 6d~6g
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for analyzing a substance, comprising: - a measurement body (1, 1a), which has a measurement surface (2) and is to be brought at least in part into contact with the substance (3) in the region of the measurement surface for the purpose of measuring; a laser device (4), particularly having a quantum cascade laser (QCL), a tunable QCL and/or a laser array, preferably an array of QCLs, in order to generate one or more excitation beams (10) at different wavelengths, preferably in the infrared or medium infrared spectral range, which is directed to the substance (3); and a detection apparatus (5, 6, 7) which is integrated at least in part in the measurement body (1, 1a) or connected thereto and comprises the following: • a source (5) for coherent detection light (11) and • a first optical waveguide structure (6) which can be or is connected to the source for the detection light, which guides the detection light, and has a refractive index which is dependent at least in portions on the temperature and/or pressure, wherein the first optical waveguide structure has at least one portion (9) in which the light intensity depends on a phase shift of detection light in at least one part of the first optical waveguide structure (6) due to a change in temperature or pressure.