Curved Reflective Optics for Microwell Fluorescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measurement devices face challenges in efficiently detecting low signal intensities from biological samples, particularly in PCR analyzers, due to low fluorescent light emissions, which can result in prolonged measurement times and potential noise or sample degradation issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device featuring a sample holder with an array of measurement positions, an illumination unit, and an optical imaging system using two or more curved reflective elements to image the sample plane onto a detector with a magnification of between 2:1 and 1:2, allowing simultaneous imaging of all measurement positions, and an illumination unit with a higher numerical aperture than the imaging system to enhance light collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integration time is increased to account for low signal intensities, then detection sensitivity is improved, but measurement time increases and noise/sample degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement positions into a single field of view that is imaged onto a single detector. By using curved reflective elements to focus light from multiple microwells onto corresponding detector elements, the system simultaneously captures signals from all positions, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and reducing total measurement time while maintaining sensitivity through increased photon collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved reflective elements (curved mirrors or lenslets) to focus and redirect light from multiple measurement positions onto the detector. The curved geometry enables efficient light collection and focusing from small sample volumes, increasing the effective numerical aperture and improving signal intensity without requiring longer integration times
2Productivity
If sequential scanning of measurement positions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement positions into a single simultaneous field of view. An array of curved reflective elements (or a single curved element with appropriate geometry) captures light from all microwells and focuses it onto a corresponding array of detector elements, enabling parallel detection of all samples in one measurement cycle rather than sequential scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional parallel imaging by arranging multiple measurement positions in a spatial array that is simultaneously imaged onto a multi-element detector. This dimensional expansion allows all positions to be measured concurrently, dramatically increasing throughput
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 enables faster detection of fluorescent signals from multiple sample positions simultaneously, reduces optical aberrations, and lowers the complexity and cost of the measurement device while maintaining high sensitivity, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of biological sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the optical imaging system including two or more curved reflective elements adapted to image the sample plane onto the detector with a magnification of between 2:1 and 1:2
Implementation Method 2
The optical measurement device for fluorescence detection comprises a sample holder defining a sample plane, the sample holder being configured to arrange a sample carrier including an array of measurement positions in the sample plane, an illumination unit configured to illuminate the sample plane in a trans-illumination setup
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure an optical measurement device includes a sample holder defining a sample plane, wherein the sample holder is configured to arrange a sample carrier including an array of measurement positions in the sample plane, an illumination unit configured to illuminate the sample plane, a detector and an optical imaging system configured to image the sample plane including the array of measurement positions onto the detector, the optical imaging system including two or more curved reflective elements adapted to image the sample plane onto the detector with a magnification of between 2:1 and 1:2 and the detector being configured to take an image of all measurement positions of the array of measurement positions at a time.