Digital Single-Photon Timing Detection for Distortion-Free Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time-resolved single-photon counting apparatuses face limitations in measurement speed, precision, and reliability due to analog electric circuit technology, particularly when dealing with low-intensity optical signals and short fluorescence lifetimes, leading to signal distortion and high measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A digital time-resolved single-photon counting apparatus that employs an excitation light source, specimen optics, a photoelectric converter, an analog-to-digital signal converter, a digital photon-discrimination and timing detector, and a time-signal processor to convert analog single-photon signals into digital signals, allowing for precise discrimination and counting of single-photon events, even in situations with multiple photon detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog electric circuit technology is used for single-photon detection, then the apparatus can detect individual photons, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog electric circuit system with a digital signal processing system. The analog single-photon signal is converted to a digital signal through an analog-to-digital converter, and then digital signal processing techniques are used to detect and measure the temporal distribution of single photons. This substitution eliminates the signal distortion inherent in analog circuits while preserving the single-photon detection capability.
2Device complexity
If analog electric circuit technology is used, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but the measurement speed decreases due to limited circuit bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the bandwidth-limited analog circuit system with a digital signal processing system that has superior temporal resolution capabilities. The digital system can process signals at much higher speeds and with greater precision, enabling faster measurement of short fluorescence lifetimes while the overall apparatus structure remains manageable through modular design.
3Ease of manufacture
If analog electric circuit technology is used, then the apparatus is easier to manufacture, but the measurement reliability decreases for short fluorescence lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog circuit system with a digital signal processing system that provides superior measurement reliability for short fluorescence lifetimes. The digital system's higher bandwidth and precision enable accurate temporal distribution measurement of fast decaying signals, while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standardized digital components and modules.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional single-photon counting is used, then the total photon count is obtained, but the temporal intensity distribution information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement process into temporal bins or time intervals. The single-photon detection events are sorted and assigned to specific time bins based on their arrival times relative to the excitation pulse. This segmentation preserves both the total photon count (by summing all bins) and the temporal intensity distribution information (by analyzing the distribution across bins), thereby resolving the information loss problem.
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 measurement speed, precision, and reliability by avoiding signal distortion and enabling accurate time-resolved single-photon counting, allowing for the detection of a larger number of optical signal photons within a limited time, overcoming the limitations of analog circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter for photoelectrically converting the optical signal to generate an analog single-photon signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a time-resolved single-photon counting apparatus, including an excitation light source for generating pulsed excitation light, a specimen optics for collecting an optical signal caused by irradiating the pulsed excitation light to a specimen, a photoelectric converter for photoelectrically converting the optical signal to generate an analog single-photon signal, an analog-to-digital (AD) signal converter for sampling the analog single-photon signal to convert the same into a digital single-photon signal, a digital photon-discrimination and timing detector for generating a photon-discrimination signal by discriminating the single-photon property of the digital single-photon signal to count a pulse time point of the digital single-photon signal to generate a delay time signal having delay time information, and a time-signal processor for counting valid single-photon detection events according to the delay time with reference to the photon-discrimination signal.