Optical Sensor

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an optical sensor comprising a laser, a photodetector, and a high-contrast grating, all integrated onto a single semiconductor chip. The sensor detects chemical, biochemical, or biological substances by observing how external substances near the grating influence the way light is coupled from the laser to the photodetector.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical diagnostics for detecting biomarkers in blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids.
• Environmental monitoring to detect pollutants or hazardous chemicals in air or water.
• Food safety testing for the presence of contaminants or pathogens.
• Biochemical research for real-time observation of molecular interactions.
• Industrial process monitoring of chemical reactions or substance purity.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly integrated design enables compact and portable sensor devices.
• Monolithic integration on a single chip improves reliability and reduces manufacturing costs.
• Sensitive and selective detection of various substances based on their optical properties.
• Potential for rapid, real-time analysis in field or point-of-care settings.
• Versatile application across medical, environmental, food safety, and industrial fields.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

An embodiment of the invention relates to an optical sensor for detecting chemical, biochemical or biological substances, the sensor comprising a laser and a semiconductor chip, wherein at least one photodetector and at least one high-contrast grating are monolithically integrated in said same chip, wherein the high-contrast grating is configured to optically couple radiation emitted by the laser into the photodetector, and wherein the coupling behaviour of said high-contrast grating depends on the optical properties of external substances that are brought near to or in contact with the high-contrast grating.