Beam Shaping Optics for Stable Sperm Sorting Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam shaping optics in flow cytometers used for sperm sorting fail to achieve stable resolution at varying laser powers and throughput speeds, leading to inefficiencies in differentiating X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm.
Innovation Solution
The use of beam shaping optics that modify the laser beam to have a beam width between 70 µm and 130 µm and a beam height to beam width ratio between 7:1 and 3:1, ensuring that the center portion of the beam width matches the inner core stream width, thereby achieving uniform illumination and improved sorting resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional beam shaping optics are used in flow cytometers for sperm sorting, then the system can operate at various laser powers and throughput speeds, but stable resolution is not achieved and sorting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling beam width (70-130 µm) and beam height to beam width ratio (7:1 to 3:1) to achieve stable sorting resolution across varying laser powers and throughput speeds. This optimization of optical parameters resolves the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If higher laser power is used to maintain sorting resolution at higher event rates, then measurement precision is improved, but sperm fertility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes beam width (70-130 µm) and aspect ratio (7:1 to 3:1) to achieve uniform illumination that maintains sorting resolution while reducing laser power requirements, thereby preserving sperm fertility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized uniform illumination in the interrogation region through optimized beam shaping, ensuring sufficient signal quality for sorting while limiting overall energy exposure to protect sperm fertility.
3Productivity
If beam width is increased to cover the entire inner core stream, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes beam width (70-130 µm) and aspect ratio (7:1 to 3:1) to achieve uniform illumination across the interrogated sperm population, maintaining sorting resolution while supporting high event rates through efficient light utilization.
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 allows for high-resolution sorting of sperm at various event rates and beam powers, maintaining sorting resolution and efficiency even at higher event rates, and enabling the use of lower powered lasers while preserving sperm fertility.
Implementation Method 1
a laser that produces a laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This disclosure pertains to analytical instruments and related methods incorporating beam shaping optics for differentiating very bright and closely related signals over a wide range of operating conditions with an improved and uniform performance.