Acoustic Flow Cytometer Stabilizes Imaging via Standing Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging cytometers, variations in flow rate within the flow channel can cause instability in the position, rotation, and velocity of observation objects, leading to unstable imaging conditions when scanning in the flow line direction.
Innovation Solution
An imaging flow cytometer is designed with a flow channel where the width is longer than the height, incorporating an acoustic element to apply standing waves, a light source for illumination, and an imaging unit to capture cross-sectional images of objects flowing through. This configuration stabilizes the position and rotation of objects using acoustic waves, ensuring consistent imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow channel is used to transport observation objects, then throughput is improved, but imaging conditions become unstable due to flow rate variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow control with acoustic field control. Acoustic waves are applied to the flow channel to generate acoustic radiation pressure that stabilizes observation objects at specific positions, eliminating the need for mechanical flow rate control while maintaining stable imaging conditions during high-speed throughput measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the flow channel by applying acoustic waves, creating standing wave patterns that form acoustic traps. This parameter change (from simple fluid flow to acoustic field-modified flow) enables stable object positioning without compromising throughput
2Productivity
If flow rate varies in the flow channel, then throughput increases, but position and rotation of observation objects become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic radiation pressure replaces mechanical flow control to stabilize object positions. The acoustic field creates virtual walls that confine objects at predetermined locations, ensuring stable positioning even when flow rate increases for higher throughput
3Productivity
If flow rate varies in the flow channel, then throughput increases, but rotation of observation objects occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic radiation pressure replaces mechanical flow control to stabilize object orientations. The acoustic field creates torque-free zones that prevent object rotation, maintaining consistent orientation during high-speed flow for improved throughput
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution effectively stabilizes the imaging conditions by controlling the flow and position of observation objects, allowing for consistent and accurate imaging of objects flowing in the flow channel.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic element configured to apply acoustic waves as standing waves to the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to irradiate the flow channel with illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging flow cytometer includes: a flow channel in which an observation object flows and a length in a width direction is longer than a length in a height direction; an acoustic element configured to apply acoustic waves as standing waves to the flow channel; a light source that irradiates the flow channel with illumination light; an image sensor configured to image at least a line included in a cross section of the observation object crossing a flow line direction which is a direction in which the observation object flows in the flow channel by measuring or imaging the observation object passing through a position irradiated with the illumination light; and circuitry configured to generate an image in which the observation object is scanned in the flow line direction on the basis of a plurality of captured images acquired by the imaging unit imaging the line in a time series.