Dual-Laser Droplet Delay Calculation for Accurate Cell Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices, such as flow cytometers, struggle to accurately calculate droplet delay time due to limitations in determining the time for charging a liquid flow, especially when the laser interrogation point is within the nozzle system, making it difficult to deflect droplets containing particles of interest effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using multiple laser sources and detectors to calculate droplet delay time by determining the time a particle passes through specific interrogation points, allowing for accurate determination of charging time, including a droplet delay time calculation unit to compute the delay time based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single laser interrogation point is used within the nozzle system, then the sorting function is achieved, but the droplet delay time cannot be accurately calculated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid flow measurement into two separate segments: one within the nozzle system (first laser interrogation point) and one outside the nozzle system (second laser interrogation point). This segmentation allows independent measurement of different delay time components, enabling accurate calculation of the droplet delay time by combining measurements from both locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using a second laser interrogation point outside the nozzle system to measure the delay time of liquid flow. This intermediary measurement serves as a reference to calculate the droplet delay time, which cannot be directly measured within the nozzle system alone.
2Measurement precision
If the laser interrogation point is located outside the nozzle system, then droplet delay time can be measured, but it cannot represent the delay time within the nozzle system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can determine droplet delay time for different sorting device configurations. By measuring at two locations (inside and outside the nozzle system) and calculating the difference, the system becomes adaptable to various nozzle designs and sorting device types, including glass-pool-based flow cytometers where previous methods fail.
3Ease of manufacture
If previous methods relying on fluctuations outside the nozzle system are used, then measurement is simplified, but accuracy fails for glass-pool-based flow cytometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based calculation method where the droplet delay time is determined by comparing measurements from two laser interrogation points. The system uses the measured delay times from both locations to calculate and adjust the droplet delay time parameter, ensuring reliable operation across different sorting device configurations including glass-pool-based flow cytometers.
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
Enables precise calculation of droplet delay time, improving the accuracy of droplet deflection in sorting devices by considering particle size and flow characteristics, enhancing the sorting process.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser source configured to emit a first laser beam to a liquid flow of the sorting device, the first laser beam and the liquid flow intersecting at a first laser interrogation point
Implementation Method 2
a second laser source configured to emit a second laser beam to the liquid flow, the second laser beam and the liquid flow intersecting at a second laser interrogation point
Implementation Method 3
a first detector corresponding to the first laser source and configured to detect emission, in response to the first laser beam, of a particle in the liquid flow
Implementation Method 4
a second detector corresponding to the second laser source and configured to detect emission, in response to the second laser beam, of the particle in the liquid flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a system and a method for calculating a droplet delay time in a liquid flow of a sorting device. The system includes: a first laser source configured to emit a first laser beam to a liquid flow of a sorting device, the first laser beam and the liquid flow intersecting at a first laser interrogation point; a second laser source configured to emit a second laser beam to the liquid flow, the second laser beam and the liquid flow intersecting at a second laser interrogation point; and a droplet delay time calculation unit configured to calculate, based on of the time when the particle in the liquid flow passes through the first and second laser interrogation point and the time when the particle passes through the second laser interrogation point, a first delay time, and calculate, a droplet delay time.