Dynamic Focusing Confocal Optical Scanning System for Biochip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochip scanners face challenges in precisely and efficiently exciting fluorescent dyes on gene microarray chips to detect DNA sequences and concentrations, requiring high-resolution imaging and multiple excitation light sources, which complicates the detection process.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning system with a control unit that maintains focusing light and scanning light on the chip surface using a first optical guiding structure, including a focusing light source, scanning light sources, and a light receiving device, allowing for precise and fast optical detection of biochip samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple excitation light sources are used to excite different fluorescent dyes, then the detection capability for gene sequences is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple excitation light sources (laser diodes with wavelengths of 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 640nm) into a single biochip scanner system. Each light source is assigned to excite specific fluorescent dyes (Cy5, Cy3, FITC, TRITC), allowing the system to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously through one unified device rather than requiring separate scanners for each dye type.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution scanning is performed to precisely detect biochip signals, then the measurement precision is improved, but the scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning action where the biochip is rotated at a constant speed (e.g., 3000 rpm) while the optical scanning head performs rapid sequential scanning across different regions. This periodic rotation combined with high-speed optical scanning enables the system to collect sufficient signal data for high precision measurement while maintaining fast overall scanning throughput, avoiding the need for prolonged static scanning at each position.
3Measurement precision
If the scanning light is focused precisely on the sample surface, then the measurement precision is improved, but the system complexity increases due to focusing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a confocal detection system that includes a position-sensitive detector (PSD) or photomultiplier tube (PMT) to monitor the focal position of the scanning light on the biochip surface. The system continuously adjusts the focusing lens position based on real-time feedback signals to maintain optimal focus despite chip surface irregularities or rotation-induced position changes, achieving high measurement precision through closed-loop control rather than complex mechanical positioning.
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 system achieves fast and precise optical detection of biochip samples by maintaining focused light on the sample surface, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling efficient analysis of DNA sequences and concentrations on biochips.
Implementation Method 1
When using excitation light sources in different wavelengths to excite fluorescent dyes, the corresponding fluorescences will be produced
Implementation Method 2
The control unit is configured to control the first optical guiding structure to keep the focusing light and the at least one scanning light focusing on a surface of the chip
Implementation Method 3
The light receiving device is disposed on a transmission path of the secondary light to receive the secondary light and generate a scanning electronic signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning system adapted to scan a sample on a chip is provided. The optical scanning system includes at least one optical scanning head, at least one scanning light source, a light receiving device and a processor. Each of at least one optical scanning head includes a focusing light source, a first optical guiding structure, and a control unit. The first optical guiding structure is configured to guide the focusing light emitted from the focusing light source to travel to the sample, and the first optical guiding structure is configured to guide the at least one scanning light emitted from the at least one scanning light source to the sample to generate a secondary light. The control unit is configured to control the first optical guiding structure to keep the focusing light and at least one scanning light focusing on a surface of the chip. The light receiving device receives the secondary light and generates a scanning electronic signal. The processor is electrically coupled to the light receiving device to dispose the scanning electronic signal.