Lenslet Array for Biosensor Imaging Aberrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical biosensors face challenges in simultaneously detecting analytes in multiple sample chambers without causing image deterioration or requiring complex optical systems, especially when a large field of view is needed.
Innovation Solution
The use of focusing optics comprising adjacent lenslets that image a parallel light beam onto a common plane, allowing for the simultaneous detection of analytes in multiple sample chambers with reduced optical distortions and simplified optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large field of view is surveyed to detect multiple analytes in parallel, then the detection capacity increases, but image deterioration occurs at the periphery of the imaged area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple lenslets arranged in an array, where each lenslet is responsible for imaging a specific region (sample chamber). This segmentation allows the system to cover a large field of view while maintaining high image quality in each individual region, as each lenslet optimizes its imaging for its specific area rather than trying to cover the entire large field with a single lens.
2Productivity
If a large field of view is surveyed to detect multiple analytes in parallel, then the detection capacity increases, but the optical system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an array of simple lenslets instead of a single complex lens system. Each lenslet is a simple optical element that can be easily manufactured and aligned. The modular nature of the lenslet array allows for straightforward integration with the detector array, simplifying the overall optical system while enabling parallel detection of multiple analytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lenslet array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it divides the large field of view into manageable regions, focuses light from each region onto corresponding detector pixels, and enables parallel imaging of multiple sample chambers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional optical components, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If multiple sample chambers are imaged simultaneously, then the analysis efficiency increases, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
By assigning each sample chamber to a dedicated lenslet, the system ensures that each lenslet optimizes its imaging for a single region. This eliminates the optical aberrations that would occur if a single lens tried to image multiple widely separated regions simultaneously. Each lenslet can be positioned and focused specifically for its assigned chamber, maintaining high image quality across all chambers.
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 approach enables accurate, high-resolution imaging of a large investigation region with minimal optical aberrations, facilitating the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples without the need for complex optical systems, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of optical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Focusing optics comprising at least two focusing lenslets that have each an individual optical axis and that are arranged adjacent to each other such that they image the output parallel light beam onto the detector plane
Implementation Method 2
an input light beam is totally internally reflected and the resulting output light beam is detected and evaluated
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to focusing optics (100) for a biosensor (10) which allow with simple means to accurately image an extended investigation region (13) onto a detector plane (P). To this end, the focusing optics (100) comprises at least two focusing lenslets (LL) that are arranged adjacent to each other such that they image an incident parallel light beam (L2) that is directed along a main optical axis (MOA) onto a common plane (P). The output light beam (L2) that is received by the focusing optics (100) may preferably originate from total internal reflection of a parallel input light beam (L1) at the investigation region (13) of a transparent carrier.