Scalable, large-area optical sensing platform with compact light delivery and imaging system
Inventors
Zhang, Xufeng • Guha, Supratik • Cardon, Zoe G.
Assignees
University of Chicago • Marine Biological Laboratory • UChicago Argonne LLC
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Publication Number
US-11035794-B2
Publication Date
2021-06-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
An optode has a planar radiation guiding medium having a first planar surface and a second planar surface and one or more perimeter surfaces bounded by the first and second planar surfaces. An excitation energy source of the optode is configured to output into the radiation guiding medium first energy at a wavelength selected to excite a fluorophore. The optode also includes a photodetector configured to image at least a portion of the first planar surface of the radiation guiding medium by detecting second energy transmitted through the radiation guiding medium.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an optode that uses a planar waveguide element having a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and one or more perimeter surfaces bounded by the first and second planar surfaces. An excitation energy source outputs first energy into the waveguide element at a wavelength selected to excite a fluorophore, and the optode transmits second energy through the waveguide element toward imaging optics implemented with a photodetector positioned adjacent to the second planar surface.
The optode includes a one-dimensional contact image sensor array disposed adjacent to the second planar surface of the waveguide element. The one-dimensional contact image sensor array images a plurality of one-dimensional portions of the first planar surface by detecting second energy transmitted through the waveguide element, and a processor receives signals representing the images of the plurality of one-dimensional portions and performs image processing to assemble a two-dimensional image from the plurality of one-dimensional images.
The processor analyzes the two-dimensional image to determine the presence and distribution of an analyte in an environment. The platform emphasizes planar radiation guiding with total internal reflection, scalable imaging in a compact format, and implementations for excitation-energy delivery and detection pathways, including excitation and data capture synchronization, reference fluorescence mitigation, and unwanted light prevention.
Claims Coverage
The provided material identifies two independent claims. Across them, the core coverage features include a planar waveguide element, an excitation energy source selected to excite a fluorophore, a one-dimensional contact image sensor array imaging transmitted second energy portions, and processor-based assembly of a two-dimensional image followed by analysis to determine analyte presence and distribution, with synchronized illumination and data capture also recited.
Planar waveguide element with bounded planar and perimeter surfaces
A planar waveguide element having a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and one or more perimeter surfaces bounded by the first and second planar surfaces.
Excitation energy at a fluorophore-exciting wavelength
An excitation energy source configured to output into the waveguide element first energy at a wavelength selected to excite a fluorophore.
Contact image sensor array imaging transmitted second energy portions
A one-dimensional contact image sensor array disposed adjacent to the second planar surface of the waveguide element and configured to image a plurality of one-dimensional portions of the first planar surface by detecting second energy transmitted through the waveguide element.
Processor assembly of a two-dimensional image from one-dimensional portions
A processor communicatively coupled to the contact image sensor and configured to receive signals representing the images of the plurality of one-dimensional portions and perform image processing to assemble a two-dimensional image from the plurality of one-dimensional images.
Analyte presence and distribution determination from the two-dimensional image
The processor configured to analyze the two-dimensional image to determine the presence and distribution of an analyte in an environment.
Synchronized illumination and data capture
The excitation energy source coupled to the contact image sensor, with the processor further configured to synchronize illumination by the excitation energy source and capturing of data by the contact image sensor.
The claims cover an optode architecture with a planar waveguide element, fluorophore-exciting excitation, a one-dimensional contact image sensor array that detects transmitted second energy to form images, and a processor that assembles and analyzes a two-dimensional image for analyte presence and distribution analysis, with synchronized illumination and data capture also recited.
Stated Advantages
Large-area imaging scalability and a compact, scalable optode platform.
Modular excitation and detection components enabling planar radiation guiding and imaging through the planar medium.
Reference fluorescence to mitigate system errors.
Processor-controlled synchronization of illumination and data capture.
Protective panel and optical isolation to prevent unwanted light from entering the optode through the protective panel.
Documented Applications
Detection of analytes in an environment, including gaseous, liquid, or solid analyte in air, soil, and water.
Detection of gaseous oxygen (O2), gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2), acidity, DNA, RNA, an organic molecule, an inorganic molecule, and a pathogen.
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