Integrated photonics-based structured illumination for sequencing

ongoing

High-throughput next-generation sequencing has revolutionized healthcare. Nevertheless, widespread adoption remains hindered by a trade-off between clinically relevant turnaround times and cost-effectiveness. This trade-off arises from the limitations of sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) chemistry and traditional optical readout architectures. To address this, integrated parallel readout on a CMOS imager is the preferred technology – as opposed to free space microscope scanners. However, size and number of pixels pose a critical limit on throughput. A novel technology developed in the IROCSIM ERC StG presents a unique solution by enabling sub-pixel resolution readout, leading to orders of magnitude increase in read density per pixel—unlocking the 1 billion-plus reads range. It monolithically integrates an imager with filters and photonic-integrated-circuit-generated, IP protected, structured illumination patterns. This project aims to demonstrate the commercial and technical potential of this technology for sequencing applications. This innovation could be a fundamental breakthrough in a longstanding bottleneck in sequencing products.