90-Degree Collimator Reduces Footprint in Optical Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flow cytometry, the distance between the laser source and photomultiplier results in reduced beam power at the receptor, and existing optical fiber configurations lead to a larger instrument footprint, limiting portability and alignment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reduced footprint 90-degree collimator device that redirects the light beam perpendicular to the incoming path, using anti-reflective coatings and adjustable components to maintain beam power and alignment while minimizing the overall footprint and internal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the photomultiplier is positioned farther from the laser source, then there is more space for fiber cable routing, but the beam power at the receptor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a 90-degree collimator that redirects the optical beam perpendicular to the incoming beam direction. This dimensional change in beam propagation allows the fiber cable to be routed perpendicular to the photomultiplier subsystem, creating space for cable routing without extending the optical path length and maintaining beam power.
2Ease of operation
If the fiber cable is routed with a minimum bend radius of six inches, then the cable can be properly connected, but the instrument footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By redirecting the optical beam 90 degrees through the collimator, the patent creates perpendicular routing paths for the fiber cable. This allows the cable to be routed in a direction that accommodates the six-inch minimum bend radius requirement while minimizing the horizontal footprint of the instrument.
3Power
If the optical path length is minimized, then beam power at the receptor is maintained, but the space for fiber cable routing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The 90-degree collimator redirects the beam perpendicular to the incoming path, creating vertical or lateral space for fiber cable routing without extending the horizontal optical path length. This maintains beam power while providing necessary space for cable management.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If anti-reflective coatings are applied to internal surfaces, then spurious internal reflections are minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses spurious internal reflections caused by the 90-degree beam redirection by applying anti-reflective coatings to the internal surfaces of the collimator. While this adds a manufacturing step, it eliminates harmful reflections that would otherwise degrade optical performance, converting a potential harm into a controlled and beneficial solution.
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 maintains beam power and facilitates easy alignment, reduces the instrument's size, and minimizes stray light reflections, enabling a more compact and efficient optical cytometry setup.
Implementation Method 1
Another objective is to provide a Reduced Footprint Collimator Device To Focus Light Beam Over Length Of Optical Path that limits spurious internal reflection by using anti-reflective coatings on all internal surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
Another objective is to provide a Reduced Footprint Collimator Device To Focus Light Beam Over Length Of Optical Path that focus the light beam into a collimated beam which maintains a given beam diameter over the total length of the beam to each receptor.
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced footprint collimator device to focus light beam over length of optical path for use in an optical cytometry device or other optical instrument where a focused beam of light is passed through a test medium and then sampled by a photomultiplier or multiple photomultipliers for analysis. This device provides alignment and focus of that beam and collimation along the entire beam path. In addition in order to reduce the overall footprint of the beam path this device uses a precision coated prism to redirect the optical path perpendicular to the entering optical beam. The reduced footprint collimator device to focus light beam over length of optical path generally includes a reduced footprint 90 degree collimator which allows light beam collimation, beam path alignment, selectable beam focal distance, and reduces stray light reflections all in a minimal footprint.an These features allows for a smaller overall instrument design.