Flow Cytometer Optical Fiber Dispersion Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers face challenges in efficiently distinguishing and measuring multiple fluorescent signals due to spectral overlap and the need for multiple detectors, which results in a large and complex system prone to misalignments and dust sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of multimode fibers optically coupled to a dispersion module that disperses multiwavelength light signals into an array of output fibers, each containing a specific wavelength range, directed to detectors, reducing optical interfaces and system size while allowing time multiplexed signals to be measured by a single detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to measure multiple wavelength signals from different interrogation regions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interrogation regions into a single detection path by using optical fibers to collect light from multiple regions and deliver them to a single detector through spectral separation. This merging approach maintains the ability to distinguish signals from different regions while reducing the number of detectors needed, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary element between the multiple interrogation regions and the detector. The fibers act as mediators that transport light signals from different spatial regions to a common detection point, enabling signal separation and detection without requiring multiple detectors, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If wavelength dependent mirrors are used to separate differently colored light signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and alignment becomes sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system of wavelength-dependent mirrors with an optical fiber-based spectral separation system. Instead of using mirrors that require precise mechanical alignment to separate wavelengths, the invention uses optical fibers combined with spectral filtering techniques, eliminating the need for complex mechanical optical interfaces and reducing alignment sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wavelength separation function from the complex mirror-based optical system and implements it through a simpler fiber-optic approach. By taking out the spectral separation capability from the traditional optical path and implementing it through fiber-based methods, the system achieves wavelength discrimination without the complexity and alignment sensitivity of mirror systems.
3Measurement precision
If free space optics with multiple mirrors are used for signal separation, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to dust sensitivity and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers, which are essentially flexible light-guiding structures, to replace rigid free-space optical paths with mirrors. The fiber optic cables provide a protected, enclosed light transmission path that is resistant to dust contamination and mechanical misalignment, thereby significantly improving system reliability while maintaining the ability to separate and detect spectral signals accurately.
4Productivity
If multiple detectors are employed to measure multiple signals, then productivity is improved through parallel detection, but loss of substance increases due to more optical interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single detection channel by using optical fibers to collect and transport light from multiple interrogation regions to a common detector. This consolidation reduces the number of optical interfaces and components where signal loss can occur, while still enabling the detection of multiple spectral signals through sequential or multiplexed measurement approaches.
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 configuration reduces optical losses, enhances system compactness, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, enabling efficient detection of multiple signals with fewer components and improved resistance to airborne dust.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersion module 22 which disperses multiwavelength light signals
Implementation Method 2
The image of the flow cell is focused onto the input plane of a linear array of optical fibers
Implementation Method 3
light (usually focused laser beams) of specific wavelengths is used to illuminate cells... Scattered light is collected... to provide information
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cytometer has a flow cell through which a sample flows and at least one laser emitting an excitation beam for illuminating a corresponding interrogation region in the flow cell. Scattered and fluorescence light from each interrogation region is collected by one or more input fibers for that region, and the input fiber(s) are fed to a dispersion module for that interrogation region that disperses the incoming light into different spectral regions. The dispersed light is conveyed, such as by a plurality of output fibers, to one or more photosensitive detectors. Thus, time multiplexed light signals may be delivered to a detector whereby several unique light signals can be measured by a single detector.