Flow Cell Nozzle Total Internal Reflectance Light Collection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current flow cytometry methods face challenges in maximizing light collection from a flow channel while minimizing disruption, particularly due to the limited depth of field and precise alignment requirements of high numerical aperture lenses, and the inefficiency of light collection from within the flow channel.

Innovation Solution

A flow cell nozzle with angled reflective walls that utilize total internal reflectance to propagate light upstream, allowing for the collection of a significant fraction of light emitted by the sample through the nozzle orifice, thereby enhancing light collection without disrupting the sample flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high numerical aperture microscope objective lens is used to collect light, then light collection efficiency is improved, but depth of field becomes very limited and precise alignment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of collecting light from the side of the flow channel using external lenses, the patent inverts the approach by collecting light from within the flow channel itself through the nozzle structure. The nozzle chamber acts as an integrated light collection medium, eliminating the need for separate high-NA lenses and their complex alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light collection function with the flow channel nozzle structure. The nozzle chamber and its reflective walls serve dual purposes: guiding the fluid flow and collecting the light emitted by particles. This integration eliminates the need for separate optical components and simplifies the overall system alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If light is collected from within the flow channel, then light collection efficiency is improved, but sample flow is disrupted and sample contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoidsample flow disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the fluid flow, collects light from particles, and directs the flow downstream without disruption. The reflective walls are positioned and angled to collect light while being transparent to the fluid flow, allowing the same structure to serve both optical and fluidic purposes without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If standard light collection methods are used, then system complexity is minimized, but light collection efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidlight collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light collection function with the existing nozzle structure, eliminating the need for separate high-NA lenses and complex alignment mechanisms. The nozzle chamber itself becomes the light collection medium, simplifying the overall system while dramatically improving light collection efficiency through the integrated reflective wall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly increases the collection of light emitted by the sample, potentially tripling the amount of light collected compared to standard systems, while maintaining minimal disruption to the flow channel, thus improving the sensitivity and speed of flow cytometry procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the nozzle chamber comprises walls comprising a reflective coating that are angled from 120° to 160° relative to the longitudinal axis of the flow stream, when the flow stream is emanating from the nozzle orifice and reflect light emitted by the sample that is propagated upstream by total internal relectance through the flow stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflectance: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2989457B1Methods and systems for the collection of light using total internal reflectance

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure include a flow cell nozzle configured to propagate light emitted by a sample in a flow stream upstream by total internal reflectance. Flow cell nozzles according to certain embodiments include a nozzle chamber having a proximal end and a distal end and a nozzle orifice positioned at the distal end of the nozzle chamber where the flow cell nozzle is configured to propagate light emitted from a sample in the flow stream upstream through the flow cell nozzle orifice by total internal reflectance toward the proximal end of the nozzle chamber. Systems and methods employing the subject flow cell nozzles are also provided.