Contact Imaging Optical Filtering Layer for Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact imaging devices are challenged in adapting to fluorescent species, as they require exposure to excitation light during imaging, but conventional methods struggle to prevent excitation light from reaching the sensor, especially in contact imaging setups where the sample array and sensor are in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A contact imaging device comprising an imaging sensor, a fixed fiber faceplate mechanically coupled to an optical filtering layer, which includes a removable fiber faceplate with a transmission filter, configured to block excitation light while allowing fluorescently emitted light to reach the sensor. The optical filtering layer can include interference and absorptive filters, and the removable fiber faceplate can be positioned to reduce the numerical aperture and angle of acceptance, ensuring that only emitted light is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sample array is placed in close proximity to the sensor for contact imaging, then spatial resolution is improved, but excitation light reaches the sensor causing image degradation
Solution Approach 1:
An optical filtering layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the sample array and the sensor. This layer includes wavelength-selective filters (such as long-pass filters, band-pass filters, or notch filters) that selectively transmit fluorescent emission wavelengths while blocking excitation light wavelengths, thereby preventing excitation light from reaching the sensor while maintaining close proximity contact imaging geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filtering layer is positioned locally at the interface between the sample array and sensor, specifically where light interaction occurs. The filtering properties are applied locally at this critical interface rather than requiring global modification of the entire imaging system, enabling selective wavelength transmission exactly where needed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional dark cassettes are used to block light, then excitation light is blocked, but fluorescent samples cannot be imaged because they require excitation light during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filtering layer changes the wavelength parameters of transmitted light by selectively blocking excitation light wavelengths and transmitting fluorescent emission wavelengths. This parameter-based filtering allows the system to differentiate between harmful excitation light and useful emission light based on their distinct wavelength characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages light transmission by using wavelength-selective filtering that adapts to the specific excitation and emission wavelengths of the fluorescent labels being used. The optical filters are configured to dynamically pass only the relevant emission wavelengths while blocking the excitation wavelengths, enabling flexible imaging of different fluorescent probes
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is enclosed in a light-tight container, then excitation light is prevented from reaching the sensor, but the imaging time is extended due to nanosecond excited-state lifetimes of fluorophores
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filtering layer serves as a real-time intermediary that continuously separates excitation light from emission light during the imaging process. This eliminates the need for time-based separation methods (such as waiting for excited-state decay) and allows immediate imaging without time delays
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
This configuration effectively separates excitation light from the imaging sensor, allowing for high-resolution imaging of fluorescent samples by selectively passing emitted light while blocking excitation light, thereby enhancing the imaging process for fluorescent, phosphorescent, or chemiluminescent samples.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filtering layer mechanically coupled to the fixed fiber faceplate, wherein the optical filtering layer further comprises a removable fiber faceplate and a transmission filter
Implementation Method 2
fluorescently emitted light
Implementation Method 3
a fixed fiber faceplate mechanically coupled to the imaging sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, methods, and kits for contact imaging are provided. A contact imaging device includes an imaging sensor, a fixed fiber faceplate mechanically coupled to the imaging sensor, and an optical filtering layer mechanically coupled to the fixed fiber faceplate. The optical filtering layer can include an interference filter, an absorptive filter, and/or a removable fiber faceplate. The contact imaging device can be used to image fluorescent samples by filtering out excitation light on the basis of wavelength and/or angle of incidence.