Cartridge Light-Manipulating Elements for Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning laser beams with interrogation areas in flow cytometers are complicated, slow, and often fail to achieve accurate alignment, particularly when using replaceable cartridges with small dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with strategically positioned light-manipulating elements and a method involving an optical device with a sensor to detect alignment by moving the device over these elements, using a carriage and stepper motor to achieve precise alignment with the channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for aligning laser beam with interrogation area are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is complicated, slow, and often fails to achieve accurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge includes pre-formed alignment features (such as alignment marks, guides, or positioning elements) that are created during manufacturing before the cartridge is inserted into the flow cytometer. These pre-existing features enable the alignment process to be simplified and automated, as the cartridge itself provides the reference structures needed for accurate laser beam alignment with the interrogation area.
2Measurement precision
If existing alignment methods are used with replaceable cartridges, then alignment can be performed, but the process becomes slower and more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed with self-aligning features that automatically guide the laser beam into proper alignment with the interrogation area upon insertion into the flow cytometer. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures, significantly reducing alignment time while maintaining high accuracy through the cartridge's built-in positioning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the laser beam spot size and interrogation area dimensions are reduced to between 10 and 100 micrometers, then sample analysis precision is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates localized alignment features positioned at specific locations to match the precise dimensions of the interrogation area. These local quality enhancements include alignment marks or guides sized and positioned to correspond with the 10-100 micrometer interrogation area, providing targeted alignment assistance that accommodates the small dimensions without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Facilitates quick, uncomplicated, and accurate alignment of the laser beam with the interrogation area, ensuring proper illumination of samples and enhancing the optical response signal.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device with a sensor to detect alignment by moving the device over these elements
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided a cartridge (1) comprising a channel (1a) along which a sample fluid can flow; one or more elements (3, 4) which are configured to manipulate light in a predefined manner, and wherein said one or more elements (3, 4) are located in a predefined position relative to the channel (1a). There is further provided an assembly which comprises said cartridge (1) and an optical device (5) which can emit light; and a method of aligning the optical device (5) over the channel (1a) of the cartridge (1) using said one or more elements (3, 4) so that when the optical device (5) emits light it will be incident on any sample fluid provided in the channel (1).