Aspheric Light Focusing Lens for Particle Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particle analyzers using optical-type flow cytometers face inefficiencies in reducing the amount of forward scattered light eliminated by the beam stopper, which affects the detection of particle features like size and morphological information.
Innovation Solution
The optical system is configured such that the light focusing lens system has a longer focal distance for the central area than the peripheral area, causing forward scattered light near the optical axis to be directed away from the beam stopper, and the light focusing lens converges peripheral light at a predetermined focal point while converting central light to parallel or diffuse light, reducing the amount of forward scattered light eliminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a beam stopper is arranged in the optical path between the light focusing lens and light detecting unit to block direct light, then direct light is effectively blocked, but part of the forward scattered light is also eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the focal distances for different regions of the lens. The central region (within half the outer diameter) has a first focal distance, while the peripheral region (outside half the outer diameter) has a second focal distance. This regional differentiation allows the beam stopper to block direct light focused from the central region while permitting forward scattered light from the peripheral region to reach the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is functionally segmented into two distinct zones: a central area and a peripheral area. Each zone focuses light at different distances, creating separate optical paths. This segmentation enables selective control over which light rays reach the beam stopper and which reach the detector, resolving the contradiction between blocking direct light and preserving scattered light.
2Quantity of substance
If the focal distance of the central area is made longer than the peripheral area to direct scattered light away from the beam stopper, then forward scattered light detection is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focal distance parameter differently for different regions of the lens. By setting the first focal distance (central region) longer than the second focal distance (peripheral region), the optical paths of direct light and scattered light are separated. This parameter differentiation achieves the goal of preserving scattered light while maintaining a relatively simple single-lens structure.
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 configuration effectively reduces the amount of forward scattered light blocked by the beam stopper, enhancing the detection of low-angle scattered light and improving the accuracy of particle analysis while maintaining reliable blocking of direct light.
Implementation Method 1
a light focusing lens system having a first focal distance for a central area within half of an outer diameter of the light focusing lens and a second focal distance for a peripheral area outside half of the outer diameter of the light focusing lens
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A particle analyzer comprises a light source, a flow cell, an irradiating optical system, and a light receiving optical system. The light receiving optical system comprises a light focusing lens system which includes a light focusing lens configured to focus forward scattered light from the particles, a light receiving member configured to receive the forward scattered light, and a beam stopper. The beam stopper is provided in the light path between the light focusing lens system and the light receiving member. The light focusing lens has an aspheric lens form. The light focusing lens system is configured such that the focal distance of the forward scattered light through the central area which includes the optical axis is longer than the focal distance of the forward scattered light through the peripheral area outside the central area.