Abstract:
An integrated optical sensor operating in the frequency domain is disclosed together with a system and method for detecting the presence of a sample to be detected with the optical sensor. The optical sensor comprises a substrate for supporting the optical sensor, at least two substantially identical gratings or grating-based resonators, a waveguide directional coupler coupled to the gratings and arranged to receive light from a light source and propagate the light through to the gratings, and a flow cell for housing each of the gratings, each flow cell having a fluidic input and a fluidic output, one flow cell for receiving a reference fluid and another flow cell for receiving a fluid with the sample to be detected; the sample to be detected alters the effective refractive index of the propagating mode inside the grating by binding or being adsorbed by the grating to alter the optical frequency of the light that propagates through the grating. In an embodiment, the grating is surface functionalized with a sensitive layer to enable sample adherence or adsorption.
Abstract:
A device for collection of a fluid sample, a receptacle for a device for collection of a fluid sample, an assembly for collection of a fluid sample and a method of collecting a fluid sample. The device comprises a carrier; an absorptive material disposed on the carrier; and a compression mechanism disposed on the carrier for compressing the absorptive material under a force applied to the compression mechanism; wherein the compression mechanism comprises a non-absorptive tip portion of the carrier, the tip portion being moveable to compress the absorptive material under the force applied to the tip portion.
Abstract:
There is provided a method of obtaining a correction factor to compensate for wavelength shifts of a light source, the method comprising (i) detecting by a light detector, a first optical characteristic of substaintially unfiltered light emitted by the light source; (ii) detecting by the light detector, a second optical characteristic of filtered light from the light source; and (ii) comparing the first optical characteristic, the second characteristic and a predetermined set of values to obtain the correction factor. A calibration device and physiological parameter measurement device capable of facilitating performance or performing the method are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A holder for a sensor waveguide structure for an optical biosensor, a biosensor comprising a holder, a method of assembling an optical biosensor, and a method of biosensing. The holder comprises means for aligning the sensor waveguide structure with an input waveguide structure and an output waveguide structure of the biosensor, for guiding a light signal from the input waveguide structure through the sensor waveguide structure and to the output waveguide structure.
Abstract:
A light coupling device is proposed, as well as a method for fabricating the device. The light coupling device has a coupling spot 4 formed over a transparent substrate 13 with a cladding layer 2 in between. One or more waveguide cores 1 contact the coupling spot, and extend in its plane. Light traverses the transparent substrate 13 and the cladding layer 2, and enters the coupling spot 4, where it is scattered by scattering elements. At least a portion of the light enters the waveguide core(s) 1. A first reflection mirror 5 is formed on the surface of the coupling spot 4 facing the transparent substrate 13, with an aperture for the light to pass through. A back reflection mirror 6 is provided on the surface of the coupling spot 4 opposite the transparent substrate 13. A second reflection mirror 7 may be formed between the cladding layer 2 and the transparent substrate 13.
Abstract:
A method and structure for coupling light into a waveguide (501, 502). The method comprises the steps of providing nano- sized or sub-micron scattering elements in a coupling spot (503) disposed in a plane of a waveguide core (501) of the waveguide; directing the light (504) into the coupling spot; and subjecting the light to scattering at the scattering elements such that at least a portion of the scattered light is coupled into the waveguide core (501).
Abstract:
An integrated optical sensor operating in the frequency domain is disclosed together with a system and method for detecting the presence of a sample to be detected with the optical sensor. The optical sensor comprises a substrate for supporting the optical sensor, at least two substantially identical gratings or grating-based resonators, a waveguide directional coupler coupled to the gratings and arranged to receive light from a light source and propagate the light through to the gratings, and a flow cell for housing each of the gratings, each flow cell having a fluidic input and a fluidic output, one flow cell for receiving a reference fluid and another flow cell for receiving a fluid with the sample to be detected; the sample to be detected alters the effective refractive index of the propagating mode inside the grating by binding or being adsorbed by the grating to alter the optical frequency of the light that propagates through the grating. In an embodiment, the grating is surface functionalized with a sensitive layer to enable sample adherence or adsorption.