Nanoparticle Detection via Acoustic Trapping and Afocal Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting nanoparticles in suspension media, especially those smaller than the wavelength of light, face challenges due to limitations in optical focusing and the complexity of existing techniques, particularly for airborne particles, which are more mobile and harder to control than those in liquids.
Innovation Solution
The method involves enhancing light scattering by the suspension medium to make the light scattering by nanoparticles visible, using an optical input signal to generate light signals from both the analyte particles and the medium, which are then detected using an afocal optical train and image sensor, allowing for the visualization of nanoparticles without relying on optical lenses for focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical focusing methods are used to detect nanoparticles smaller than the wavelength of light, then the detection is limited to a small optical focus, but this restricts the ability to detect particles in large containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function from traditional optical lenses and replaces it with acoustic radiation pressure fields generated by acoustic traps. This allows particles to be concentrated and manipulated without being constrained by the small focal space of optical systems, enabling detection in larger containers while maintaining detection precision for nanoparticles below the diffraction limit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical focusing mechanism with an acoustic field-based manipulation system. Acoustic radiation pressure is used to trap and concentrate particles at specific locations within the detection volume, substituting the mechanical/optical focusing approach with an acoustic field approach that overcomes the diffraction limit and enables larger detection spaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If airborne particles are detected using traditional optical methods, then the particles are more mobile and harder to control, but this increases the difficulty of detection and measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic fields as an intermediary mechanism to control and manipulate airborne particles. The acoustic radiation pressure acts as a mediator that can trap, hold, and position particles in gaseous media, making them controllable despite their mobility. This intermediary acoustic field enables detection of airborne particles with the same precision as liquid-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system that uses acoustic field manipulation to handle particles in both gaseous and liquid media uniformly. The same acoustic trap mechanism works for airborne particles and suspended particles in liquids, providing a multi-functional platform that overcomes the specific challenges of each medium type rather than requiring separate specialized systems
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
This approach enables the detection of nanoparticles as small as 1 nm to 100 nm in both liquid and gaseous media, improving detection capabilities beyond the limitations of traditional optical instruments and allowing for the analysis of particles in large containers without the need for small focusing spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an optical input signal is provided to produce a first light scattering signal from the analyte particle and a second light scattering signal from atoms or molecules in the suspension medium
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting an analyte particle includes a sample cell configured to be loaded with a sample comprising at least one analyte particle suspended in a suspension medium; an optical source configured to irradiate the sample cell with an optical input signal, and wherein the optical input signal is selected to produce a first light signal from the analyte particle in the sample and a second light signal from atoms or molecules in the suspension medium of the sample; an afocal optical train configured to transmit the first light signal and the second light signal from the sample cell to an image sensor, wherein the first light signal forms an analyte image on tire image sensor, and the second light signal forms a background image on the image sensor.