Optical detection systems for point-of-care diagnostics
Point-of-care diagnostic systems often utilize optical detection to quantify the final signal. Most demonstrations of point-of-care technologies focus on novel microfluidic techniques while relying upon standard laboratory instrumentation for final optical detection. This laboratory-based optical instrumentation is accurate and low-noise, but prohibitive in size and cost for portable and (potentially) disposable instrumentation. Developments of integrated and miniaturized optical detection system are required for microfluidic technologies used in point-of-care diagnostics. We will develop low-cost yet high-resolution methods for photodetection in point-of-care diagnostic systems. The developments will include:
- Photodiode selection, processing electronics and algorithms
- Methods to modulate the excitation source
- Demodulation methods (lock-in) appropriate for low-cost microcontrollers