Cytometry Laser Control via Time-of-Flight Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple laser flow cytometry systems lack flexibility, are large in size, and costly due to the need for multiple detectors and complex signal processing to avoid signal cross-talk and errant particle interference.
Innovation Solution
A cytometry system with a computing system that controls multiple lasers to emit light independently along a flow stream path, where each laser is turned ON and OFF based on time of flight intervals to prevent signal interference, using a detector system to receive light pulses and manage laser activation sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to process multiple laser sources, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detectors into a single detector that sequentially receives light pulses from multiple lasers. The single detector processes signals from different lasers at different time intervals, eliminating the need for multiple simultaneous detectors while maintaining measurement precision through time-based signal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by sequentially activating different lasers at specific time intervals and having the single detector receive pulses in a periodic sequence. This time-multiplexed approach allows one detector to handle multiple laser sources without signal cross-talk, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are mechanically affixed to multiple lasers, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector is designed with universal functionality to receive and process light pulses from multiple different lasers sequentially. This multi-functional detector replaces multiple specialized detectors, improving ease of operation and system flexibility while maintaining measurement precision through its ability to handle signals from various laser sources.
3Measurement precision
If complex signal processing is implemented to avoid signal cross-talk, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by controlling the sequential activation of lasers and timing the detector's signal reception to prevent signal cross-talk before it occurs. The computing system manages time intervals between laser activations, ensuring that each laser's signal is received during its designated time window, thereby eliminating the need for complex post-processing to remove cross-talk interference.
4Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to process multiple lasers, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector maintains continuous useful action by sequentially receiving light pulses from multiple lasers without interruption. The computing system coordinates laser activation and signal reception to ensure continuous processing of particles, eliminating idle time between measurements while maintaining measurement precision through uninterrupted detection.
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 approach enhances the flexibility and reduces the size and cost of multiple laser cytometry systems by preventing signal cross-talk and minimizing interference from errant particles, allowing for efficient analysis of microscopic particles.
Implementation Method 1
a number of detectors collect forward scattered, side scattered, and fluoresced light caused by the intersection of the laser beam and particle
Implementation Method 2
a number of detectors collect forward scattered, side scattered, and fluoresced light caused by the intersection of the laser beam and particle
Implementation Method 3
The computing system can be configured to operate each of the plurality of lasers to independently emit laser light with respect to one another according to time of flight intervals along the flow stream path
Data Source
AI summary
A cytometry system having a computing system. The system includes a plurality of lasers controlled by the computing system to emit laser light. Each laser is spatially separated along a flow stream path. A detector system configured to receive light pulses from the plurality of lasers. The detector system being coupled to sampling circuitry. The computing system is configured to operate each of the plurality of lasers to independently emit laser light with respect to one another according to time of flight intervals along the flow stream path.