Bio-chip Optical Detection via Single-Field Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detecting apparatuses for bio-chips, such as DNA chips, require lengthy scanning processes to obtain high-resolution fluorescent images, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with large arrays of gene spots.
Innovation Solution
An optical detecting apparatus that uses a light source system with a larger cross-sectional area of excitation light to illuminate the entire bio-chip in a single illumination, combined with a fluorescent light detecting system capable of capturing the entire bio-chip image, including a deformable mirror for distortion correction and an optical detector with variable magnification, to achieve rapid image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning method is used to obtain fluorescent image of bio-chip, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bio-chip reading process into multiple illumination regions that can be scanned sequentially. Instead of illuminating the entire bio-chip at once, the illumination is divided into multiple segments that are activated in sequence, allowing the system to capture high-resolution fluorescent images of different regions separately. This segmentation enables the system to maintain measurement precision while reducing the total time required to read the entire bio-chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the illumination system and detector to cover the entire bio-chip area, and pre-programming the sequential illumination pattern. The system prepares multiple illumination regions in advance and activates them in a predetermined sequence, eliminating the need for real-time scanning adjustments and reducing the overall reading time while maintaining image quality.
2Measurement precision
If scanning method is used to obtain fluorescent image of bio-chip, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the mechanical domain and transfers it to the optical control domain. Instead of using complex mechanical scanning mechanisms to move the illumination source or detector, the system uses a stationary illumination system with multiple independently controllable regions. The scanning effect is achieved by selectively activating different illumination regions through electronic control, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single stationary illumination source can serve multiple regions of the bio-chip simultaneously or sequentially. The system can switch between different illumination patterns and regions without requiring separate illumination sources or detectors for each region, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to capture high-resolution images of the entire bio-chip.
3Productivity
If larger cross-sectional area of excitation light is used to illuminate entire bio-chip, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the illumination system into multiple regions with independently controllable characteristics. Each illumination region can be optimized for its specific area of the bio-chip, allowing for non-uniform illumination patterns that compensate for variations in the bio-chip structure. This enables the use of a larger overall illumination area to improve productivity while maintaining the manufacturing precision required for accurate fluorescent image capture in each local region.
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
Enables the rapid reading and analysis of bio-chips with improved data reliability and reduced processing time, potentially miniaturizing the apparatus and lowering manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for precise scanning.
Implementation Method 1
a base carrying a fluorescent material, which emits light of a specific color when excited by an excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a condenser lens or a condenser mirror condensing the excitation light onto the bio-chip
Implementation Method 3
a polarizing beam splitter disposed between the light diffusing device and the condenser lens or the condenser mirror
Implementation Method 4
a quarter-wave plate disposed between the polarizing beam splitter and the condenser lens or the condenser mirror
Implementation Method 5
a deformable mirror for distortion correction
Implementation Method 6
an optical detector with variable magnification, to achieve rapid image acquisition
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip, the optical detecting apparatus including: a light source system for illuminating a bio-chip with an excitation light; a fluorescent light detecting system for detecting a fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip; and a light path altering unit for directing the excitation light emitted by the light source system to a bio-chip and directing the fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip to the fluorescent light detecting system, wherein a cross-sectional area of the excitation light irradiated by the light source system onto the bio-chip is greater than an area of the bio-chip, and the fluorescent light detecting system detects a fluorescent image of the entire bio-chip with a single illumination of excitation light.