Condensing-Lens Array for Parallel Light Detection in DNA Sequencers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emission detection apparatuses for capillary array DNA sequencers are large, costly, and suffer from variations in detection sensitivity among emission points, hindering miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining high sensitivity and low crosstalk.
Innovation Solution
A condensing-lens array is used to individually condense light emissions from multiple emission points, with predetermined relations between the average diameters, focal lengths, and optical path lengths of the lenses and sensor to achieve low crosstalk and high sensitivity, allowing for miniaturization and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a common condensing lens and common imaging lens are used to detect light from multiple emission points, then the system has high detection efficiency and spectroscopic accuracy, but the entire size of the system becomes very large and manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent condensing lenses, each corresponding to one emission point. This segmentation allows each lens to be smaller while collectively covering all emission points, reducing the overall system size while maintaining detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges condensing lenses and emission points in a two-dimensional array configuration rather than using a single large lens. By distributing optical elements across multiple positions in space, the system achieves the same optical coverage with smaller individual components, reducing total system volume.
2Volume of stationary object
If the focal length of the common condensing lens is reduced to minimize system size, then the system becomes more compact, but detection sensitivity decreases due to insufficient light condensing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple condensing lenses instead of one large lens, each lens can have an optimized focal length that balances compactness with sufficient light-gathering capability. The segmented approach allows each lens to work at optimal parameters rather than compromising a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple condensing lenses work together in parallel to achieve the total light collection needed. While each individual lens is smaller with shorter focal length, their combined effect equals or exceeds that of a single large lens, maintaining detection sensitivity while reducing system size.
3Volume of stationary object
If individual condensing lenses are used for each emission point to reduce system size, then miniaturization is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain low crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into multiple independent lenses actually simplifies the optical design for each element. Each lens can be manufactured and positioned independently with standard tolerances, avoiding the need for extremely precise alignment required in some compact single-lens designs. The modular nature facilitates easier assembly and adjustment.
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 reduces the size and cost of the detection apparatus while maintaining high sensitivity and low crosstalk, enabling more compact and affordable capillary array DNA sequencers with improved usability and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing-lens array that is arranged with M condensing lenses for individually condensing lights emitted from a emission-point array
Implementation Method 2
When passing across a laser beam, fluorescent labeled DNA fragments which are subjected to electrophoresis inside each capillary described above emit fluorescence by being excited by laser irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emission detection apparatus is provided for individually condensing light emitted from each emission point of an emission-point array using each condensing lens of a condensing-lens array to forma light beam and detecting each light beam incident on a sensor in parallel. The light-emission detection apparatus can be downsized and high sensitivity and low crosstalk can be simultaneously accomplished when a certain relation between the diameter of each emission point, a focal length of each condensing lens, an interval of condensing lenses, and an optical path length between each condensing lens and a sensor is satisfied.