Dual Sensor Spectrograph Optical Switching for Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample interrogation systems, such as flow cytometry, face challenges with timely data processing and throughput due to the slow readout speed of detectors like CCD and sCMOS line sensors, which can result in missed sample events, especially with increased spectral channels and quick sample event rates.
Innovation Solution
A dual sensor spectrograph system is implemented, where a second sensor is activated when the first sensor is busy reading out data, reducing the effective dead time and enabling full spectrum emission capturing and reading for systems with quick sample event rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CCD or sCMOS line sensors are used for spectral detection, then full spectrum data can be captured, but the readout speed is too slow to handle high sample event rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spectral detection task into multiple segments by using multiple detectors (first detector and second detector) that can operate independently. The automated switching module directs spectral emissions to different detectors based on readout status, allowing parallel processing of spectral data and eliminating the bottleneck of single-sensor sequential readout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different detectors based on real-time readout status. The automated switching module adapts the optical pathway direction based on which detector is currently reading data, enabling flexible and dynamic resource allocation to maximize throughput while maintaining spectral quality.
2Productivity
If SPAD array line sensors are used for photon counting, then digital bits can be clocked out quickly without noise increase, but readout time of 10 μs or longer causes loss of back-to-back sample events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent detectors that can process samples in parallel. By dividing the detection workload across multiple sensors, the effective readout time for each individual detector is reduced, allowing the system to handle back-to-back sample events without loss while maintaining the fast digital readout capability of SPAD arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous sample detection capability by having multiple detectors ready to immediately pick up samples as one detector finishes reading. The automated switching module ensures continuous optical pathway redirection, eliminating dead time between readings and maintaining uninterrupted sample event detection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectral channels are implemented, then full spectrum analysis is enabled, but data processing complexity and requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral detection into multiple independent channels handled by separate detectors. Each detector handles a portion of the spectral data independently, which simplifies the processing architecture compared to a single complex sensor processing all channels simultaneously. The modular approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full spectral analysis capability.
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 reduces the number of missed sample events by efficiently handling high sample event rates, facilitating the capture and reading of full spectrum emissions in systems like flow cytometry.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical pathway configured to direct emissions from an interrogation site to a first detector; a second optical pathway configured to direct emissions from the interrogation site to a second detector
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for detecting a sample via optical pathways are described herein. In one aspect, a light detection system can include: a first optical pathway configured to direct emissions from an interrogation site to a first detector; a second optical pathway configured to direct emissions from the interrogation site to a second detector; and an automated switching module configured to receive a signal that induces the automated switching module to switch between (i) a first state that directs emissions from the interrogation site to the first optical pathway or a second state that directs emissions from the interrogation site to the second optical pathway and (ii) the other of the first state and the second state.