Whispering Gallery Mode Resonator Nanoparticle Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing nanometer-sized particles are non-deterministic and require multiple samples to estimate size, limiting their precision and efficiency in applications like virus identification and nanoparticle detection in solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the ratio of resonance wavelength shifts of two azimuthal modes in a Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) resonator to determine the latitude and subsequently the size and mass of a nanoparticle in real-time, allowing for precise measurement without statistical averaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If statistical techniques are used to estimate particle size based on WGM resonance shifts, then detection sensitivity can be achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-deterministic results requiring multiple samples
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the WGM resonance spectrum into multiple azimuthal modes (different m values), where each mode provides an independent measurement channel. By analyzing the ratio of resonance shifts across these segmented modes, the system achieves deterministic particle size measurement without requiring statistical averaging of multiple samples, thus resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-mode to multi-mode measurement by utilizing the azimuthal mode number dimension. Different azimuthal modes (m=0, m=1, m=2, etc.) provide additional independent dimensions of measurement, enabling the system to determine particle size deterministically through ratio analysis rather than relying on statistical methods, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining detection sensitivity
2Reliability
If multiple event samples are collected for statistical analysis, then measurement reliability improves, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement process into multiple parallel azimuthal mode channels. Each mode provides an independent measurement that can be analyzed simultaneously, eliminating the need to collect multiple sequential event samples. This segmentation enables deterministic sizing from a single event, significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by exciting and measuring multiple azimuthal modes simultaneously from the outset. Rather than collecting multiple samples sequentially and then analyzing them statistically, the invention prepares multiple measurement channels in advance that provide all necessary information from a single particle binding event, thus achieving both high reliability and fast productivity
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 deterministic and precise sizing of nanoparticles in real-time, enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of nanoparticle detection and analysis, particularly in biological and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The sensitivity of whispering gallery mode ('WGM') resonances (referred to simply as 'WGMs') of a WGM resonator to changes in its external environment has established WGM resonators as a leading platform for sensitive detection
Implementation Method 2
The physical meaning of the relative shift, Δλr/λr, is the ratio of the energy required to polarize the nanoparticle to the energy in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods are provided to determine the size and/or mass of a particle, such as a nanoparticle for example, deterministically (i.e., non-statistically). At least two resonances of the same radial order, having the same angular momentum number l but different azimuthal numbers m (−l<m<l) are excited in a WGM resonator. The particle's latitude angle on the WGM resonator is located using a ratio of detected resonance wavelength shifts. Finally, at least one of (A) the particle's size, and (B) the particle's mass, is determined from the latitude angle of the particle.