Flow-Cell Sample Observation With Planar-Light Imaging for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
In qualitative measurement using flow cytometers, improving throughput leads to decreased resolution and increased background autofluorescent light, making it difficult to accurately observe samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample observation device and method that uses a flow cell with a planar light irradiation unit, an image formation unit with an inclined observation axis, and a two-dimensional imaging element to capture and analyze light intensity profiles of samples, allowing for improved throughput without compromising resolution or accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure of sample flow is increased to improve throughput, then the throughput is improved, but the resolution decreases and background autofluorescent light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional point detection or array detection to two-dimensional optical imaging detection. By capturing spatial distribution information of samples in the flow cell and analyzing light intensity profiles across different positions, the system achieves enhanced measurement precision without being constrained by traditional detection limitations. This dimensional change enables simultaneous observation of multiple samples at different flow rates, resolving the contradiction between throughput and resolution.
2Productivity
If the pressure of sample flow is increased to improve throughput, then the throughput is improved, but the background autofluorescent light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics of autofluorescent light from the fluid by capturing two-dimensional images and generating light intensity profiles. By separating the signal from individual samples based on their positional information in the flow direction, the system can distinguish sample-specific fluorescence from background autofluorescence, thereby reducing the harmful effect of background light even at high throughput.
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
Enables appropriate observation of samples even with increased throughput by separating and analyzing light intensity profiles from multiple samples, facilitating flow rate control and reducing optical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional imaging element configured to capture a light image including at least a cross section of the fluid among light images according to the observation light formed by the image formation unit
Implementation Method 2
Methods and systems of the present invention provide a two-dimensional optical imaging-based particle sensing platform wherein system components and specifications are selected to generate reproducible and readily identifiable signals, including particle detection signatures, from optical scattering or emission from particles
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A sample observation device (1) includes a flow cell (2) in which a fluid containing samples (S) flows, an irradiation unit (11) configured to irradiate the samples (S) flowing in the flow cell (2) with planar light (L2), an image formation unit (17) having an observation axis (P2) inclined with respect to an irradiation surface (R) for the planar light (L2), and configured to form an image of observation light (L3) generated in the sample (S) due to the irradiation with the planar light (L2), a two-dimensional imaging element (20) configured to capture a light image including at least a cross section of the fluid among light images according to the observation light (L3) formed by the image formation unit (17), and outputs image data, and an analysis unit (33) configured to analyze a light intensity profile of the sample (S) in a flow direction of the fluid on the basis of the image data.