Flow Cell Layout for Low-Concentration Nanoparticle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately measure nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm at low concentrations due to reduced light scattering intensity and sensitivity, requiring high concentrations and leading to unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell and device design that controls liquid sample flow using a piston pump and magnetic valve, irradiates a pulsed laser beam, and detects induced plasma to enhance detection reliability and sensitivity for nanoparticles of 100 nm or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light scattering analysis method is used to measure nanoparticles, then particle size can be checked using light scattering intensity, but detection probability rapidly decreases at low concentration for fine nanoparticles less than 100 nm in size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from light scattering intensity to light absorption. By using absorption spectroscopy instead of scattering, the detection sensitivity for nanoparticles less than 100 nm is significantly improved, allowing reliable detection at low concentrations (ppt level) where scattering methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the optical scattering mechanism with an absorption-based detection mechanism. This substitution enables detection of nanoparticles that are too small to generate sufficient scattering signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and detection reliability at low concentrations.
2Illumination intensity
If light scattering intensity is used for measurement, then larger particles produce stronger signals, but the light scattering area decreases as particle size decreases making it difficult to measure particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from measuring light scattering intensity to measuring light absorption. Absorption spectroscopy provides a different physical basis for detection that is not dependent on particle size in the same way scattering is, enabling accurate measurement of small nanoparticles (less than 100 nm) where scattering intensity becomes negligible.
3Productivity
If a general nanoparticle analysis method is used, then analysis can be performed, but eddy generation occurs and flow control is insufficient for reliable measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic flow control using a piston pump to create pulsating flow that prevents eddy formation. By controlling the liquid flow dynamics rather than using static analysis, the system achieves both productivity and measurement reliability for nanoparticles at low concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a piston pump and magnetic valve to hydraulically control the liquid sample flow. This hydraulic control system enables precise flow rate adjustment and pulsating flow patterns that eliminate eddies while maintaining continuous analysis capability, resolving the contradiction between analysis productivity and measurement reliability.
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
The design improves detection probability and reliability by minimizing measurement errors and eddy generation, allowing for accurate measurement of nanoparticles at ppt concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement device that collects and analyzes signals generated by generating an induced plasma from nano-sized particles by a light source with specific energy
Implementation Method 2
a flow controller consisting of a piston pump and a magnetic valve so that the flow can be controlled without eddy
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main flow portion configured to extend from one end in one direction and lead to other end, a pulsed laser beam being irradiated to the main flow portion, the main flow portion including a flow space in which a liquid sample flows; an inlet guide portion connected to the main flow portion in a different direction from the one direction and configured to guide an introduction of the liquid sample into the main flow portion; and an outlet guide portion connected to the main flow portion in a different direction from the one direction and configured to guide a discharge of the liquid sample from the main flow portion.