Assembly of a microoptical glucose sensor with nanoporous separation membrane

Blood sugar measurement is an important topic for an increasing number of people suffering from diabetes mellitus. The paper shows the physical principle as well as technologies for assembly of an insertable glucose sensor. Base of the device is an insertable ceramic measuring chamber with nanoporous membrane. It separates glucose from the complex composition of the tissue fluid. This allows continuous blood sugar measurement by detection of polarization rotation of linear polarized light in the liquid. However, the measurement of minimal polarization rotation requires highest geometrical accuracy and stability of all components, especially optical transmitter and receiver. Other demands are low cost, miniaturization and reliability requirements of medical devices. New approaches are necessary to fulfil all requirements. Innovative assembly techniques such as active adjustment, high precision stacking and flip-chip soldering are used. First measurement results of the co mplete sensor system give a promising outlook. Copyright 2012 IMAPS.