Bioluminescence detection using a novel MEMS modulation technique

Noel M. Elman, Slava Krylov, Marek Sternheim, Yosi Shacham-Diamand

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

A novel modulation microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technique is introduced to overcome the low-frequency (flicker) noise of photodiodes. The transmissive shutter is placed as an add-on device between an optical source and a photodiode, and is implemented as a method to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, adapted for the detection of low-intensity bioluminescence. The detection of the signal below the noise level of photodetector is demonstrated by implementing a lock-in amplifier that registers the modulated signal at four times the frequency of the electrical excitation signal of the modulator. This work represents the first reported attempt to use a MEMS modulation technique for the detection of low-intensity signals.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2011-2013
Number of pages3
JournalIEEE Photonics Technology Letters
Volume18
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2006

Funding

FundersFunder number
EU CELLPROM Consortium
Nano-Science and Nano-Technology Center at Tel-Aviv University
Tel-Aviv University
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

    Keywords

    • Bioluminescence
    • Flicker noise
    • Microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
    • Optical modulation
    • Photodiodes
    • Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
    • Transmissive shutters

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