Optischer Sensor

(A1) Die Erfindung betrifft einen optischen Sensor zum Detektieren eines Stoffes, umfassend einen ersten Wellenleiter (4) und einen ueber einen Richtkoppler optisch mit dem ersten Wellenleiter (4) gekoppelten zweiten Wellenleiter (5), wobei der Sensor in einem Bereich des Richtkopplers eine funktionale Oberflaeche zum An- und Einlagern des zu detektierenden Stoffes aufweist, so dass eine Staerke einer durch den Richtkoppler vermittelten Kopplung zwischen dem ersten Wellenleiter (4) und dem zweiten Wellenleiter (5) durch das An- oder Einlagern dieses Stoffes veraenderbar ist, wobei ferner zumindest der erste Wellenleiter (4) ueber eine vom Richtkoppler umfasste Koppelstrecke frei schwebend verlaeuft oder dort ausschliesslich auf einem schwellfaehigen Material ruht.

WO 2010040565 A1 UPAB: 20100506 NOVELTY - The integrated optical sensor comprises a first waveguide (4), a second waveguide (5) optically coupled to the first waveguide via a directional coupler, a substrate, which carries the first and the second waveguides, a single waveguide coupled with a light source, and an output waveguide coupled with a light-sensitive element. The sensor has a functional surface in the region of the directional coupler for depositing or deposition of the substance to be detected, so that the intensity of coupling established by the directional coupler is variable by depositing or deposition of the substance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The integrated optical sensor comprises a first waveguide (4), a second waveguide (5) optically coupled to the first waveguide via a directional coupler, a substrate, which carries the first and the second waveguides, a single waveguide coupled with a light source, and an output waveguide coupled with a light-sensitive element. The sensor has a functional surface in the region of the directional coupler for depositing or deposition of the substance to be detected, so that the intensity of a coupling established by the directional coupler between the first waveguide and the second waveguide is variable by depositing or deposition of the substance. The first waveguide runs freely across a coupling path covered by the directional coupler or rests exclusively upon a swellable material absorbing the substance. The distance between the first waveguide and the second waveguide is variable by depositing or deposition of the substance to be detected on or through the functional surface. The first waveguide runs freely within the coupling path and the functional area comprises the functional layer of the first waveguide and/or a controllable carrier having the first waveguide. The functional surface is formed through the swellable material that carries the first waveguide or a part of the first waveguide. The first and the second waveguides are separated from the substrate by a buffer layer (2, 3), which is hollowed out in the area of the directional coupler so that the first waveguide is hollowed out. The first and the second waveguides run in a single plain or in two plains separated from one another. The single waveguide and the output waveguide are given through the first or second waveguide or are optically coupled with the first or the second waveguide. The first and/or the second waveguide is implemented as closed waveguide ring or as single mode waveguide. USE - Integrated optical sensor useful for detecting a substance. ADVANTAGE - The integrated optical sensor is simple and ensures cost-effective detection of a substance.