Biological Sample Analyzer Light Control for Signal Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers face signal saturation issues due to excessive incident light on the detection unit, leading to invalid measurement results, especially when using photodiodes like APD or MPPC, which have fixed gain and cannot adjust to high light levels.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample analyzer with a light irradiation unit, a detection unit, and an information processing unit that adjusts the output of light irradiation based on fluorescence detection results to prevent signal saturation, using adjustment coefficients and compensation matrices to correct scattered light data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the amount of incident light on the detection unit is increased to improve signal intensity, then the fluorescence detection sensitivity is improved, but the signal becomes saturated and cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light irradiation output adjustable rather than fixed. The information processing unit dynamically controls the light irradiation unit's output based on real-time detection results, allowing the system to adapt the excitation light intensity to prevent saturation while maintaining sufficient signal strength for accurate fluorescence measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the detection unit continuously monitors the fluorescence signal, and the information processing unit uses this feedback to adjust the light irradiation output. This closed-loop control ensures that the incident light remains within the optimal range to avoid saturation while maintaining detection sensitivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If photodiodes with fixed gain are used to reduce device cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the detection unit cannot adjust to high light levels and signal saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the light irradiation output based on the detection results. The information processing unit monitors the detection unit's output and autonomously controls the light irradiation unit to prevent saturation, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex adjustable gain circuits in the photodiodes themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from the detection unit's gain (which would require expensive adjustable photodiodes) to the light irradiation unit's output. By adjusting the excitation light intensity rather than the detector gain, the system achieves adaptability while using cost-effective fixed-gain photodiodes.
3Reliability
If the light irradiation output is manually adjusted to prevent saturation, then signal saturation is avoided, but the operation complexity increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the light irradiation output based on the detection results. The information processing unit monitors the detection unit's output and autonomously controls the light irradiation unit to prevent saturation, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex adjustable gain circuits in the photodiodes themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the detection unit continuously monitors the fluorescence signal, and the information processing unit uses this feedback to adjust the light irradiation output. This closed-loop control ensures that the incident light remains within the optimal range to avoid saturation while maintaining detection sensitivity.
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
Prevents signal saturation in the detection unit, allowing for accurate fluorescence signal acquisition while reducing costs by using cost-effective photodiodes, and automates compensation matrix adjustments for improved device convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a particle population such as cells, microorganisms, and liposomes is labeled with a fluorescent dye, and the intensity and/or pattern of fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye excited by irradiating each particle of the particle population with laser light is measured
Implementation Method 2
The flow cytometer can convert light detected by the photodetector into an electrical signal, quantify the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a new method of coping with a case where the amount of incident light to a detection unit of a biological sample analyzer is large.The present disclosure provides a biological sample analyzer including a light irradiation unit that irradiates a biological particle contained in a biological sample with light; a detection unit that detects light generated by the light irradiation; and an information processing unit that controls the light irradiation unit, in which the information processing unit determines whether a detection result of fluorescence by the detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and adjusts an output of light irradiation by the light irradiation unit according to the determination result. The detection unit includes one or more photodiodes, and the information processing unit can adjust the output of light irradiation by the light irradiation unit such that saturation of a signal does not occur in the detection unit.