Angled Light Guide Fluorescence Sensor Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence imaging systems face challenges in efficiently collecting weak fluorescent emissions while minimizing interference from stronger excitation light, often requiring large spectral filters that increase the size of the imaging system.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile image sensor with angled light guide structures and filters that reflect excitation light away from detectors, allowing for efficient collection of fluorescent emissions with reduced system height and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional spectral filters are used to block excitation light, then the suppression ratio is improved, but the sensor height and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using thick spectral filters in the vertical dimension to using angled reflective surfaces that redirect light laterally. The countersunk aperture geometry and angled surfaces create a path where excitation light is reflected away at oblique angles, achieving suppression without increasing sensor height.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the countersunk aperture for light entry, the angled reflective surfaces for excitation light redirection, and the flat detector surface for fluorescence detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently within a compact vertical profile.
2Measurement precision
If larger spectral filters are used to reduce noise, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the pixel density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating micro-structured reflective surfaces with specific angular orientations at the aperture level, rather than using large-scale spectral filters. This localized optical control achieves noise reduction while preserving the overall sensor area for high pixel density.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surfaces are nested within the countersunk aperture structure, creating a compact configuration where the light redirection mechanism is contained within the sensor footprint without requiring additional lateral space that would reduce pixel density.
3Productivity
If the sensor size is reduced to increase pixel density, then the productivity is improved, but the suppression of excitation light becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The countersunk aperture with angled reflective surfaces creates an asymmetric optical path. Excitation light entering at specific angles is reflected away from the detector by the asymmetric surface geometry, while fluorescence emission from the sample can still reach the detector effectively, maintaining suppression in compact sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using thick spectral filter layers with an optical geometry-based solution using angled surfaces and reflective properties. This substitution achieves light suppression through geometric optics rather than material absorption, enabling compact sensor design.
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 solution enables a compact fluorescence imaging system with a 30-50% reduction in height while maintaining the same suppression ratio and signal-to-noise performance, allowing for smaller sensor size or increased pixel density.
Implementation Method 1
angled reflective surfaces and filters that direct excitation light away from detectors
Implementation Method 2
spectral filters, such as colored-glass or interference filters, are used to provide at least some degree of the required wavelength selectivity
Implementation Method 3
a sample is illuminated with excitation light of one wavelength while a resulting fluorescent emission at a second, typically longer wavelength is imaged
Data Source
AI summary
A compact image sensor for imaging radiation emitted by fluorescing objects exposed to excitation light is disclosed. The compact image sensor includes a light guide defining a longitudinal axis for channeling radiation emitted by the fluorescing object; a reflective surface defined on the light guide that is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the light guide to reflect the excitation light away from a detector of the image sensor; and the detector positioned at an end of the light guide for imaging radiation emitted by the fluorescing object. Also disclosed is a fluorescence imaging system for imaging radiation emitted by a fluorescing object to be imaged by compact image sensor and a method of fluorescence imaging.