CMOS Optical Detectors and Lock-In Amplifiers Used for Detection of Emission from Sensor Array Platforms

Chemical sensor arrays are low cost, compact, robust and versatile alternatives to large analytical tools and hence drive the need to rapidly fabricate reusable chemical sensor arrays for simultaneous multi-analyte quantification.

This invention includes the rapid fabrication of reusable chemical sensor arrays for simultaneous multi-analyte quantification by machining a novel array of minature spherical sensor dots atop an LED. The array can be specifically tailored for any known class of a nalytes. LED's provide an inexpensive sensor light source, low power consumption, and automated, customizable fabrication procedure. LEDs have a very long lifetime (>10,000 hrs) are physically robust (solid state) and can be computer controlled f unattended operation. Novel porous chemical xerogels with recognition chemicals (luminophores sequestered within) form the dots. This invention combines a CMOS optical detector array with a lock-in amplifier system on a single chip, resulting in significant a dvantages:

a) Higher signal-to-noise ratio, i.e., greater accuracy in detection and measurements. b) The usual benefits of CMOS detection circuits, i.e., large dynamic range of light frequencies, single supply voltage and low power consumption, l ower costs, etc. c) A/D converter has been included with digital interfaces and multiple data output modes. d) These can also be extended and adapted for use with any other sensor arrays operating on the fluorescence principle.

This is an impro

Categories: Instrumentation, Sensors

Type of Offer: Licensing



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