Waveguide Substrates for Precise Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical operations face challenges in achieving precise control over illumination, particularly in controlling the volume and area illuminated, especially in the z-axis, to effectively analyze materials at or near a surface.
Innovation Solution
The development of substrates with waveguide arrays that incorporate optical gratings, various waveguide configurations, and additional substrate layers to enhance illumination efficiency and reduce optical scattering, allowing for precise control of illumination in multiple dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wide area illumination is used to interrogate biopolymer array substrates, then larger numbers of analytical features can be analyzed, but precise control of illumination volume and area is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple independent waveguides that can be individually controlled. Each waveguide acts as a separate illumination channel, allowing selective activation of specific regions while maintaining overall wide area coverage. This segmentation enables both large illuminated area and precise control by activating only the necessary waveguides for the analysis task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of illumination by enabling selective activation and deactivation of individual waveguides based on the analytical requirements. The system can adaptively adjust which waveguides are active, allowing dynamic optimization between illuminated area and control precision for different experimental conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If zero-mode waveguides with small apertures are used, then precise z-axis illumination control is achieved, but the illuminated volume becomes extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple zero-mode waveguide structures into an array configuration, where each waveguide provides precise z-axis control. By combining many such waveguides laterally, the system maintains the precise z-axis illumination control of individual ZMWs while achieving a larger effective illuminated volume through the collective contribution of multiple waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimension (z-axis) control in individual ZMWs to multi-dimensional control by arranging ZMWs in a two-dimensional array. This spatial arrangement allows precise z-axis control to be maintained while expanding the lateral (x-y plane) illumination coverage, effectively increasing the total illuminated volume.
3Manufacturing precision
If waveguide arrays with multiple layers are used, then illumination control in multiple dimensions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the waveguide array substrate to serve multiple functions: optical guidance, structural support, and spatial organization of analytes. The same waveguide structures that provide illumination control also serve as scaffolds for analyte positioning, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity despite the multi-layer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where waveguides are embedded within the substrate matrix, and analytes are positioned within or near the waveguide structures. This nesting approach integrates multiple functional elements into a compact hierarchical arrangement, managing complexity by organizing components at different scales within a unified architecture.
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
These substrates enable efficient detection and analysis of single molecules and molecular interactions by providing uniform and controlled illumination, improving detection efficiency and reducing background noise.
Implementation Method 1
The array of waveguides is configured to receive optical energy at a portion of the two or more waveguides comprising an optical grating
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide core and a waveguide cladding adjacent to the waveguide core, where the waveguide core has a refractive index sufficiently higher than the refractive index of the waveguide cladding to promote containment and propagation of optical energy through the core
Implementation Method 3
such that the analyte region is illuminated by an evanescent field emanating from the core when optical energy is passed through the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides analytical devices for use in various applications, including detection of single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates, dielectric omnidirectional reflectors, and optical couplers are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.