Flow Cytometer Light Detection Using Parallel Wavelength Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detecting systems for flow cytometers face challenges in efficiently processing multiple wavelengths of light, leading to limitations in channel density and optical performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed light detecting system incorporates a beam separating device that splits the incoming beam into multiple first beams with non-overlapping or partially overlapping wavelength ranges, which are then processed by multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices equipped with light detecting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wavelength division multiplexing device is used to detect multiple wavelengths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the channel density increases leading to degraded optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single wavelength division multiplexing device into multiple separate devices, each dedicated to detecting a specific wavelength range. This segmentation maintains optical performance by reducing channel density in each device while still enabling multi-wavelength detection through the coordinated operation of multiple devices
2Reliability
If multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices are used to maintain optical performance, then the channel density decreases improving optical performance, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices in a parallel configuration where each device handles a specific wavelength range. By organizing devices in this dimensional arrangement and making the first beams parallel, the system achieves high channel density (up to 20 or more channels) while maintaining good optical performance and minimizing the overall device size
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of light channels is increased to detect more wavelengths, then the measurement capability improves, but the optical path length increases leading to degraded performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection of multiple wavelengths into multiple parallel wavelength division multiplexing devices, each handling a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows the system to detect up to 20 or more channels while keeping the optical path length in each individual device short, thereby maintaining good optical performance
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 allows for an increase in the number of light channels (up to 20 or more) while maintaining good optical performance, reducing the optical path length, and minimizing the size of the wavelength division multiplexing device.
Implementation Method 1
a beam separating device configured to separate a beam to be processed by the flow cytometer into multiple first beams having respective wavelength ranges that either do not overlap with each other or partially overlap with each other
Implementation Method 2
Each of the multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices includes multiple light detecting devices being configured to detect a portion of the respective first beam
Data Source
AI summary
A light detecting system and a light detecting method for a flow cytometer are provided. The light detecting system includes a beam separating device and multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices. The beam separating device is configured to separate a beam to be processed by the flow cytometer into multiple first beams having respective wavelength ranges that either do not overlap with each other or partially overlap with each other. Each of the multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices is configured to receive a respective one of the multiple first beams. The multiple first beams are parallel to each other when received by the multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices. Each of the multiple wavelength division multiplexing devices includes multiple light detecting devices being configured to detect a portion of the respective first beam.