Fixed Position Controller for Nanopore Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixed position control technologies in biomolecule detection using Raman microscopes face challenges such as increased noise and reduced service life due to large excitation light spots, heat diffusion, and the need for larger equipment, while existing solutions complicate the device configuration and increase costs, particularly due to temperature drift issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixed position controller system that simultaneously irradiates a measurement sample and a reference object with excitation light, using a position control unit to calculate and adjust the irradiation position based on detected signals from the reference object, allowing for precise control of the excitation light and nanopore alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diameter of the irradiation spot is increased, then the influence of drift in the excitation light or nanopore is reduced, but signals of noise and background increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irradiation function into two separate light sources: a first excitation light source for generating Raman scattered light and a second excitation light source for generating fluorescence. This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized independently, enabling the Raman measurement to use a smaller, more focused spot size that reduces noise while the fluorescence channel provides drift compensation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the fluorescence signal not only for detection purposes but also as a reference for drift correction. The fluorescence excitation light and detection system serve dual purposes: characterizing the nanopore and providing positional reference information to compensate for drift in the Raman measurement system.
2Reliability
If the diameter of the irradiation spot is increased, then the influence of drift is reduced, but service life of the conductive thin film is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irradiation function into two separate light sources: a first excitation light source for generating Raman scattered light and a second excitation light source for generating fluorescence. This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized independently, enabling the Raman measurement to use a smaller, more focused spot size that reduces noise while the fluorescence channel provides drift compensation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the fluorescence signal not only for detection purposes but also as a reference for drift correction. The fluorescence excitation light and detection system serve dual purposes: characterizing the nanopore and providing positional reference information to compensate for drift in the Raman measurement system.
3Temperature
If the diameter of the irradiation spot is decreased, then heat diffusion is reduced, but the excitation light spot may move outside the nanopore due to drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the fluorescence signal and using this information to correct for drift in the Raman measurement system. The position control unit adjusts the Raman excitation light position based on fluorescence-based reference positions, ensuring the focused excitation spot remains aligned with the nanopore despite thermal drift or mechanical instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the fluorescence signal not only for detection purposes but also as a reference for drift correction. The fluorescence excitation light and detection system serve dual purposes: characterizing the nanopore and providing positional reference information to compensate for drift in the Raman measurement system.
4Power
If a plurality of nanopores are irradiated, then the output requirement from excitation light source increases, but equipment size and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irradiation function into two separate light sources: a first excitation light source for generating Raman scattered light and a second excitation light source for generating fluorescence. This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized independently, enabling the Raman measurement to use a smaller, more focused spot size that reduces noise while the fluorescence channel provides drift compensation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the fluorescence signal not only for detection purposes but also as a reference for drift correction. The fluorescence excitation light and detection system serve dual purposes: characterizing the nanopore and providing positional reference information to compensate for drift in the Raman measurement system.
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 enables accurate and efficient biomolecule analysis by maintaining the excitation light spot close to the nanopore, reducing noise and heat effects, and simplifying the device configuration, thus allowing for more precise and longer-term measurements while minimizing equipment size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
Raman scattered light of the biopolymers which pass through the nanopore, with the scattered light produced through conductive thin film provided in the vicinity of the nanopore
Implementation Method 2
a first excitation light source that performs irradiation with excitation light; a second excitation light source that performs irradiation with excitation light
Implementation Method 3
an optical system that performs simultaneous irradiation with one or more beams of excitation light; a position control unit that calculates a position on a measurement sample which is irradiated with the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to control, with a simple structure and high accuracy, irradiation of excitation light to a multi-nanopore substrate without interrupting a measurement. Irradiation of excitation light is performed concurrently to at least one nanopore and at least one reference object on a substrate mounted in an observation container 103. A position irradiated with the excitation light in a measurement sample is calculated on the basis of a signal generated from the reference object detected by a detector 109, and the measurement and a fixed position control is performed concurrently by performing measurement of the measurement object while a drive control part 115 controlling the position of the irradiation of the excitation light to the measurement sample on the basis of the calculation result, whereby an analysis of the measurement sample can be performed in a short time.