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Analog signal acquisition from computer optical disk drives for quantitative chemical sensing
Radislav A Potyrailo1, William G Morris, Andrew M Leach
1Materials Analysis and Chemical Sciences, Information and Decision Technologies, and Polymer and Chemical Technologies, Global Research Center, General Electric Company, Niskayuna, New York 12309, USA. Potyrailo@crd.ge.com
Analytical Chemistry
|August 16, 2006
Summary
This study presents a novel lab-on-DVD system for quantitative chemical sensing using repurposed optical disk drives. The platform offers a cost-effective and accessible method for detecting analytes like calcium ions in various liquids.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Chemical Sensing
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Consumer optoelectronic devices offer cost and operational advantages for sensor applications.
- Conventional analytical instruments are often expensive and less accessible for widespread use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a universal sensing platform using conventional optical disk drives for quantitative chemical and biochemical detection.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of repurposing CD/DVD drives for sensitive and accurate analyte quantification.
Main Methods:
- Depositing sensor films onto standard CD and DVD media without altering manufacturing processes.
- Acquiring analog signals from optical disk drives to detect optical changes in sensor films.
- Utilizing colorimetric calcium-sensitive films on DVDs for detecting Ca2+ in liquid samples.
Main Results:
- The lab-on-DVD system achieved a 5 ppm detection limit for Ca2+ determination, comparable to fiber-optic spectrometers.
- Demonstrated a resolution of 0.023 absorbance units.
- Exhibited +/-5 ppm accuracy and 2-5% precision for Ca2+ quantification in unknown samples.
Conclusions:
- Repurposed optical disk drives provide a versatile and cost-effective platform for quantitative sensing.
- This approach enables chemical and biological detection, as well as material property monitoring.
- The lab-on-DVD system shows significant potential for accessible point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
