Capillary Array Layout for Uniform Multi-Capillary Laser Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capillary-array-electrophoresis apparatuses struggle to simultaneously irradiate multiple capillaries with a laser beam when using separation media with refractive indices outside the range of 1.33≤n3≤1.41, leading to non-uniform laser-irradiation intensities and fluorescence intensities, which affects the ability to perform parallel electrophoretic analysis.

Innovation Solution

A capillary array design where laser-irradiation portions of analysis capillaries and lens capillaries are alternately arranged, with specific refractive index relationships to ensure convex lens effects, allowing simultaneous irradiation of multiple capillaries even with low refractive index separation media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the refractive index of the separation medium is outside the range of 1.33≤n3≤1.41, then the laser beam cannot be focused through the capillaries, but using a refractive index within this range limits the types of separation media that can be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of separable substancesVSAvoidlaser beam focusing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling medium with a specific refractive index (1.10≤n1<1.33) is introduced between the laser beam and the capillaries to mediate the optical interaction. This intermediary enables the laser beam to be focused through capillaries regardless of the separation medium's refractive index, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The refractive index parameter of the coupling medium is specifically optimized (1.10≤n1<1.33) to achieve the desired optical effect. By changing this parameter, the system enables laser beam focusing through capillaries with various separation media, allowing both diverse substance separation and reliable focusing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple capillaries are simultaneously irradiated with a laser beam, then analysis throughput is improved, but laser beam intensity becomes non-uniform across capillaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis throughputVSAvoiduniformity of laser-irradiation intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling medium acts as an intermediary that optimizes light transmission characteristics. By positioning capillaries in this medium with carefully controlled refractive index, the system achieves more uniform laser beam intensity distribution across multiple capillaries while maintaining high analysis throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the refractive index of the coupling medium is close to that of the separation medium, then reflection loss is reduced, but the convex lens effect of capillaries is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflection loss of laser beamVSAvoidlaser beam focusing intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The refractive index of the coupling medium is precisely controlled within the range 1.10≤n1<1.33, which is different from both air (n=1.00) and typical separation media (n3≥1.33). This parameter optimization achieves a balance: it reduces reflection loss at the capillary interface while maintaining the convex lens effect necessary for laser beam focusing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 electrophoretic analysis using various separation media, including those with a refractive index similar to water, thereby expanding the apparatus' applicability and improving analysis throughput and reducing costs per sample.

Implementation Method 1

each capillary acts as a convex lens. The laser beam is repeatedly focused by each capillary along the array plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

each capillary acts as a convex lens. The laser beam is repeatedly focused by each capillary

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLens effect: Lens

Implementation Method 3

Fluorescence is thus induced to be emitted from each capillary, and the emitted fluorescence is spectrally dispersed and detected at the same time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12517087B2Capillary array

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

A capillary array includes N analysis capillaries filled with a separation medium having a refractive index of n3 and used for electrophoretic analysis and N±1 lens capillaries filled with a medium having a refractive index of n4 and not used for the electrophoretic analysis, in which the N analysis capillaries and the N±1 lens capillaries are alternately arranged on the same array plane. When an outer diameter is defined as 2R, an inner diameter is defined as 2r, a refractive index of a medium of an outside is n1, and a refractive index of a material is defined as n2 for each of the N analysis capillaries and the N±1 lens capillaries, and when a refractive index n3 takes any value within the range of 1.33≤n3≤1.42, R, r, n1, n2, n3, and n4 satisfy a predetermined relationship, whereby the N analysis capillaries are efficiently simultaneously irradiated with the laser beam incident from a side of the array plane.