CMOS Image Sensor Multicolor Fluorescence Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometers face challenges in enabling multicolor analysis without increasing device size due to the use of photomultiplier tubes as photodetectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device comprising a spectral optical system that disperses fluorescence and an image sensor divided into regions to receive different wavelength components, allowing for multicolor analysis while maintaining a compact device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photomultiplier tubes are used as photodetectors in conventional flow cytometers, then multicolor analysis can be performed, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength detection capabilities into a single CMOS image sensor by dividing it into multiple regions, each detecting different wavelength components of fluorescence. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple separate photomultiplier tubes, achieving multicolor analysis while reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The CMOS image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - detecting multiple wavelength components of fluorescence across different regions, enabling multicolor analysis with a single detector component rather than requiring multiple specialized photodetectors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photodetectors are used for multicolor analysis, then different wavelength components can be detected, but the device configuration becomes complex and large
Solution Approach 1:
The CMOS image sensor is segmented into multiple regions, with each region dedicated to detecting specific wavelength components of fluorescence. This segmentation allows precise wavelength detection while maintaining a compact single-sensor configuration, avoiding the complexity of multiple separate photodetector systems.
3Reliability
If conventional photodetectors are used, then fluorescence detection is possible, but the device is difficult to modify after commercialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables flexible modification of detection capabilities by changing the spectral characteristics of optical filters rather than requiring hardware redesign. The CMOS image sensor configuration can be adapted to detect different wavelength ranges by simply replacing or adjusting filters, making post-commercialization modifications easier while maintaining reliable fluorescence detection.
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
The solution enables efficient multicolor analysis with improved device compactness and enhanced reproducibility of optical filter characteristics, facilitating easier design modifications post-commercialization.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral optical system that disperses fluorescence emitted from a biological specimen
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that receives the fluorescence dispersed by the spectral optical system and generates fluorescence information
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical measurement device including a spectral optical system that disperses fluorescence emitted from a biological specimen, and an image sensor that receives the fluorescence dispersed by the spectral optical system and generates fluorescence information. The image sensor is divided into a plurality of regions that receive different wavelength components of the fluorescence and generate fluorescence information for each of the wavelength components.