Photonics Integrated Circuit Enabled Miniature On-Chip Urine Test system with High Sensitivity and Reliability

For this STTR Phase II project, Applied NanoFemto Technologies (ANFT) and MIT aim to develop a prototype of a miniature urine test system and extend its application to more general applications in testing and screening. In Phase I of the project, we have designed and optimized the on-chip digital Fourier Transform spectrometer (dFT) technology for the SWIR spectrum test system, developed the light coupling technologies, and refined the SWIR LED and photodetector growth parameters. The waveguide design and coupling simulation as well as the SWIR LED and photodetector development has demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed PIC-based chip-scale urine test platform. In Phase II, we will develop a prototype of the miniature PIC-based broadband spectroscopic urine test system with ultra-low SWaP, high sensitivity and high accuracy will be demonstrated. Clinical application and extension to the COVID-19 diagnostic test will be explored as well.

Routine astronaut health monitoring Water quality monitoring: The on-chip spectral analysis system enables high spectral definition water analysis that can provide data for continuous monitoring of the recycled drinking water quality in space stations. Lab on a chip experiment in space: The system can provide on-chip spectral analysis for lab-on-a-chip microfluidic analysis with low SWaP suitable for space applications. Space fuel quality and contamination monitoring.

Portable clinical urine test, blood glucose measurement, and routine health check. Portable high spectral resolution chemical and biological solution analysis for chemical solution identification and contamination analysis. Medical diagnoses, chemical solution process control, and drug monitoring. Fast Covid-19 diagnostic testing with high sensitivity

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