18516527. Alignment-tolerant Photonic Sensing System simplified abstract (IMEC VZW)
Contents
Alignment-tolerant Photonic Sensing System
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Roelof Jansen of Heverlee (BE)
Jeonghwan Song of Heverlee (BE)
Alignment-tolerant Photonic Sensing System - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18516527 titled 'Alignment-tolerant Photonic Sensing System
The patent application relates to alignment-tolerant photonic sensing systems, specifically focusing on a sensing system that includes an illumination module and a cartridge with a photonic sensor chip.
- The sensing system features a photonic sensor chip with grating couplers in a first areal portion, sensing sites, and waveguides connecting the couplers to the sensing sites.
- A cartridge holder is included to securely lock the cartridge into a sensing position, ensuring proper alignment of the photonic sensor chip with the illumination module within permitted tolerances.
Potential Applications: - This technology can be applied in various industries such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. - It can be used for chemical sensing, biological analysis, and structural health monitoring.
Problems Solved: - The system addresses the challenge of maintaining alignment between the photonic sensor chip and the illumination module, even within tolerance limits. - It provides a reliable and efficient method for accurate sensing in diverse applications.
Benefits: - Improved accuracy and reliability in sensing applications. - Simplified alignment process for users. - Enhanced performance in challenging environments.
Commercial Applications: - This technology can be utilized in medical devices, environmental monitoring equipment, and quality control systems. - It has the potential to impact the photonics industry by offering a more robust sensing solution.
Prior Art: - Researchers can explore prior patents related to photonic sensing systems, alignment technologies, and sensor integration methods to gain a deeper understanding of the field.
Frequently Updated Research: - Stay informed about advancements in photonic sensor technology, alignment techniques, and applications in various industries to leverage the latest developments in the field.
Questions about Alignment-Tolerant Photonic Sensing Systems: 1. How does the alignment-tolerant feature of this sensing system improve its performance? 2. What are the key factors to consider when integrating this technology into different applications?
Original Abstract Submitted
Example embodiments relate to alignment-tolerant photonic sensing systems. An example sensing system includes an illumination module for delivery of a light beam. The sensing system also includes a cartridge that includes a photonic sensor chip having a length axis and a width axis. The photonic sensor chip includes a plurality of grating couplers in a first areal portion of the photonic sensor chip. The photonic sensor chip also includes a plurality of sensing sites. Additionally, the photonic sensor chip includes waveguides connecting each grating coupler to a respective sensing site or group of sensing sites of the plurality of sensing sites. Further, the sensing system includes a cartridge holder for releasably receiving and locking the cartridge into a sensing position. The photonic sensor chip is aligned relative to the illumination module up to permitted alignment tolerances when the cartridge is locked into the sensing position.
