Flow Cell Non-Gaussian Temporal Signals for Particle Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometers are limited by the complexity and expense associated with Gaussian optical pulses, requiring significant resources for signal processing and being prone to misalignment issues due to inherent design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell design that generates non-Gaussian temporal signal profiles using carefully selected and positioned excitation and collection fibers, optimizing light collection for a range of particle sizes and wavelengths, reducing the need for complex signal processing and improving alignment robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Gaussian optical pulses are used in flow cytometry, then detection sensitivity is sufficient, but signal processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal profile parameter from Gaussian to non-Gaussian (specifically super-Gaussian with higher order moments). This is achieved by modifying the flow cell geometry parameters (channel shape, fiber positioning) to generate pulses with higher kurtosis values, thereby reducing signal processing complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex Gaussian pulses and attempting to simplify processing, the patent inverts the approach by designing the flow cell to inherently generate simpler non-Gaussian pulses. The inversion principle is applied by reversing the conventional wisdom that Gaussian pulses are optimal, and instead accepting that non-Gaussian pulses provide better performance with simpler processing requirements.
2Measurement precision
If Gaussian optical pulses are used, then detection sensitivity is maintained, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pulse temporal profile parameter from Gaussian to non-Gaussian by adjusting flow cell geometry parameters. This parameter change results in pulses that are less sensitive to alignment variations, thereby reducing the precision requirements for laser beam alignment while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the flow cell geometry to inherently compensate for potential misalignment issues. The non-Gaussian pulse generation mechanism is designed to be robust against alignment variations, providing a cushion against the harmful effects of imprecise alignment before they can affect measurement quality.
3Measurement precision
If complex signal processing is used to extract particle characteristics, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal profile of the optical pulses from Gaussian to non-Gaussian, which fundamentally alters the signal characteristics. This parameter change enables simpler and faster processing algorithms to achieve the same or better particle characterization accuracy, thereby reducing processing time and computational resources required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for particle characterization from simpler non-Gaussian pulses rather than from complex Gaussian pulses. By taking out the key features from the inherently simpler signal structure, the patent achieves accurate particle characterization with reduced processing complexity and time.
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 flow cell design simplifies signal processing, reduces hardware and software requirements, and enhances the accuracy and reliability of particle characterization by generating trapezoidal temporal signals that are easier to process, leading to improved throughput and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation fiber having a core for transporting the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
the at least one collection fiber collects light emitted or scattered by particles passing in the channel
Implementation Method 3
light emitted or scattered by particles passing in the channel of the excitation fiber
Implementation Method 4
The excitation and collection fibers characteristics are selected, proportioned and positioned in respect to each other to generate collected light of a non-Gaussian temporal intensity profile
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field characterization of particles in a sample solution. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a flow cell and a method for characterizing particles by means of collected non-Gaussian temporal signals. The present flow cell and method rely on an excitation fiber with a channel. The excitation fiber has a core for transporting an excitation light generated by a light source, and defines a channel through a portion of its core. The channel of the excitation fiber directs a flow of the sample solution. The excitation fiber, the channel and collection fibers characteristics are selected, proportioned and positioned to generate collected light with a non-Gaussian temporal intensity profile.