CMOS Image Sensor Spectroscopic Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic detection methods using photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are limited in their ability to discern light frequency, requiring multiple PMTs and optical filters for each color, making them inefficient for high-speed, discrete measurements of multiple samples, and requiring filter changes with color variations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical train with a dispersing element and an image sensor that spectrally disperses light from multiple samples, allowing simultaneous measurement of spectroscopic properties over time, enabling efficient detection of scattered, chemiluminescent, absorbed, or fluorescent light from samples in microfluidic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with optical filters are used to detect specific wavelengths, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple PMTs and filters for each color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single CMOS image sensor that can simultaneously detect multiple wavelengths across the visible spectrum (400-700nm), eliminating the need for multiple separate PMTs and their associated optical filters. This merging approach maintains detection sensitivity while dramatically reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The CMOS image sensor serves multiple detection functions simultaneously, acting as both a photodetector and a spectral analyzer. Each pixel on the sensor can detect different wavelengths of light, allowing the single device to perform the work of multiple specialized PMTs while reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PMTs with individual filters are used to detect multiple colors simultaneously, then multi-color detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to distribution and filtering hardware for each sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple color detection channels into a single CMOS sensor array, where different pixels or regions of the sensor detect different wavelengths simultaneously. This eliminates the complex distribution and filtering hardware required by traditional multi-PMT systems while maintaining full multi-color detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal or sequential detection methods to spatial detection by using the two-dimensional pixel array of the CMOS sensor. Different wavelengths are detected simultaneously across different spatial locations on the sensor, adding a spatial dimension to the detection process that eliminates the need for complex temporal distribution hardware.
3Speed
If PMT-based systems are used for high-speed discrete measurements, then measurement speed is improved, but adaptability decreases when color variations require filter replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable detection system using the CMOS sensor's ability to electronically adjust which wavelengths are detected by which pixels. This allows the system to adapt to different color variations and measurement requirements in real-time without physical filter changes, maintaining high measurement speed while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters electronically through software control of the CMOS sensor rather than through physical filter changes. This allows rapid adjustment of detection wavelengths and ranges, enabling the system to adapt to different sample types and measurement conditions while maintaining high-speed operation.
4Productivity
If duplicate detection hardware is used for each sample in a multi-sample system, then simultaneous multi-sample detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to duplicating filters and PMTs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sample detection capabilities into a single CMOS image sensor, where different regions or pixels of the sensor can simultaneously detect light from multiple samples. This eliminates the need to duplicate expensive PMT and filter assemblies for each sample while maintaining the ability to perform simultaneous multi-sample analysis.
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 scalable, high-speed detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties from multiple samples, reducing hardware duplication and filter changes, and allowing for flexible analysis of various sample types, including single-phase flows, beads, cells, and droplets in microfluidic devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical train comprising a dispersing element... The light from each sample may be spectrally dispersed by the dispersing element
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor. The light detected and measured may comprise light scattered from a sample following illumination of a sample; emitted as chemiluminescence by a chemical process within a sample; selectively absorbed by a sample following direction of a broadband light source at a sample; or emitted as fluorescence from a sample following excitation
Implementation Method 3
emitted as fluorescence from a sample following excitation
Implementation Method 4
light scattered from a sample following illumination of a sample
Implementation Method 5
emitted as chemiluminescence by a chemical process within a sample
Implementation Method 6
selectively absorbed by a sample following direction of a broadband light source at a sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally pertains to a system, method and kit for the detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties of light from a sample, or the scalable detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties of light from each sample present among multiple samples, simultaneously, wherein the system comprises: an optical train comprising a dispersing element; and an image sensor. The light detected and measured may comprise light scattered from a sample, emitted as chemiluminescence by a chemical process within a sample, selectively absorbed by a sample, or emitted as fluorescence from a sample following excitation.