Ellipsoidal Reflector Flow Cytometry Optics Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers face limitations in light collection efficiency, susceptibility to optical component misalignment, and difficulty in replacing light sources without disrupting the instrument's operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of ellipsoidal and spherical reflectors with specific geometries and numerical apertures, integrated into a flow cell or arranged around a sample stream, to efficiently collect and focus fluorescence, combined with refractive beam steering optics that direct excitation beams at low angles of incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical configurations are used in flow cytometers, then the instrument structure is simpler, but light collection efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an ellipsoidal reflector with a specific elliptical geometry (major axis to minor axis ratio ≥1.2) to collect fluorescence emitted by particles in the sample stream. The curved ellipsoidal surface focuses emitted photons toward the detection optics, significantly improving light collection efficiency compared to conventional flat or simple curved mirrors while maintaining manufacturability through precise molding or coating techniques.
2Ease of operation
If optical components are arranged in conventional configurations, then alignment is easier initially, but the system is susceptible to misalignment during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ellipsoidal reflector and spherical mirror into a unified optical assembly where the reflector focuses fluorescence onto a beam steering optic that directs light to detectors. This merged configuration creates fixed geometric relationships between components, reducing susceptibility to misalignment during operation while maintaining ease of initial setup through standardized mounting interfaces.
3Ease of repair
If light sources are positioned in conventional locations, then replacement is straightforward, but replacing light sources significantly misaligns or disrupts instrument operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions light sources at the two foci of the ellipsoidal reflector, creating modular illumination stations that can be independently replaced. The ellipsoidal geometry ensures that light from either focus is efficiently collected and directed to the same detection path, allowing individual light source replacement without disrupting overall instrument alignment or requiring complex realignment procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple reflector geometries are used, then manufacturing is easier, but numerical aperture and light collection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an ellipsoidal reflector with a major axis to minor axis ratio of at least 1.2, creating an asymmetric geometry that optimizes the numerical aperture for collecting fluorescence emitted at various angles from particles in the sample stream. This asymmetric ellipsoidal shape provides superior light collection capability compared to symmetric spherical or flat mirrors while remaining manufacturable through precision molding or selective coating of specific surface regions.
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 enhances light collection efficiency, stabilizes optical alignments, and simplifies the replacement of light sources, reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence emitted toward the ellipsoidal reflector is focused by the ellipsoidal reflector to one or more locations at or near F2
Implementation Method 2
Fluorescence emitted toward the spherical reflector is retro-reflected by the spherical reflector toward the ellipsoidal reflector, which focuses the retro-reflected fluorescence to the one or more locations at or near F2
Implementation Method 3
one or more excitation light beams that are directed to intersect the stream of particles at or approximately at F1, thereby exciting fluorescence from the particles
Data Source
AI summary
High numerical aperture collection optics for particle analyzers may include an ellipsoidal reflector or an ellipsoidal reflector in combination with a spherical reflector, and may efficiently collect light scattered or emitted by particles in a sample stream and then couple that collected light into a lower numerical aperture portion of the instrument's optical detection system, such as into an optical fiber for example. The reflectors may be integrated with a flow cell through which the sample stream passes, or may be separate components arranged around a flow cell or, in instruments not employing a flow cell, arranged around a sample stream in air. Refractive beam steering optics may allow multiple closely spaced excitation beams to be directed into the sample stream at low angles of incidence. The collection optics and refractive beam steering optics may be employed separately or in combination with each other.