Jupiter

Two friends and I started Jupiter Advanced Research in an attempt to measure metabolically relevant levels of glucose in a human body via microwave spectroscopy. Long story short, we partially succeeded but not enough to be viable. We had an amazing time doing research, collecting data, and interfacing with the great people at OTRADI, the bioscience incubator in Portland.

Of course I had to make the logo and cut out a door sticker!

Since we were doing research, we needed data. Lots and lots of data. I created an automated data collection system that would energize sample vials with a range of frequencies and measure the resulting signals with an analog spectrum analyzer. I used GPIB over Ethernet to automate all of the equipment in the loop, so I could program ranges of frequency and power and collect everything into a PostgreSQL database running on a server I built.

Raspberry Pi for controlling the whole system

We discovered pretty quickly that the vial holder design was critical to getting consistent measurement data.

Initial POC Vial Holder

After a lot of initial data we figured out where we wanted the antennas to be and I laser cut a new vial holder design.

The vial holder design after the POC allowed antennas to be moved around slightly to adjust signal strength. I made a mockup of the idea using LEGOs, because I’m still that little kid. The antenna slides were functional too.

I love LEGOs so much

The real deal

I cut many prototypes!

Eventually I developed a spring loaded mechanism that would hold a vial precisely in the same position every time we inserted it.

Acrylic “Spring”

I then incorporated this “spring” into a very solid design with fixed antennas.

View of the “springs”

SOLID!