Flow Cytometer Light Detection Without Scatter Bar
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detection systems in flow cytometry face challenges in differentially detecting light from a sample across multiple dimensions without a scatter bar, leading to reduced signal intensity and accuracy in characterizing sample components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light detection system that includes a flow cell, a light source, and a detector unit with an optical adjustment component, such as a digital micro-mirror device or a fused fiber optic bundle, which modulates the light by tilting, rotating, or inactivating micro-mirrors or photodiodes to differentially detect light, thereby enhancing signal intensity and specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scatter bar is used to block light in flow cytometry, then light detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the scatter bar component from the flow cytometer and replaces it with a detector unit that has an optical adjustment component. This extraction eliminates the need for the scatter bar while maintaining the ability to block unwanted light through software-controlled optical adjustment, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scatter bar with an optical adjustment component that can be dynamically controlled. Instead of using a physical barrier to block light, the system uses an adjustable optical element that can be positioned or oriented to block unwanted light paths, achieving the same function with reduced mechanical complexity and increased flexibility.
2Illumination intensity
If the surface area of the detector is increased to collect more light, then signal intensity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical adjustment component that can dynamically change its position or orientation to optimize light collection. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to concentrate light onto a smaller detector area more effectively, achieving high signal intensity without requiring a proportionally larger detector surface area, thus avoiding the associated complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the detection system by introducing an adjustable optical element that can modify light paths, focus, and distribution. This allows optimization of light delivery to the detector without increasing the detector's physical size, achieving enhanced signal intensity through parameter optimization rather than dimensional expansion.
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 detector signal intensity from fluorescence and scattered light by up to 10-fold, improving the characterization and sorting of cell populations in flow cytometry by selectively obscuring unwanted light and enhancing the accuracy of light measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical adjustment component and a detector that is configured to differentially detect light from the flow cell without a scatter bar
Implementation Method 2
the system is configured to differentially detect light by modulating one or more components of the optical adjustment component or the detector
Implementation Method 3
a detector system having an optical adjustment component and a detector that is configured to differentially detect light from the flow cell
Implementation Method 4
Light from the light source can be detected as scatter or by transmission spectroscopy or can be absorbed by one or more components in the sample and re-emitted as luminescence
Implementation Method 5
Light detection is often used to characterize components of a sample... When a sample is irradiated, light can be scattered by the sample, transmitted through the sample as well as emitted by the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for differentially detecting light from a sample in a flow stream (e.g., in a flow cytometer) across one or more dimensions are described. Light detection systems according to embodiments include a flow cell configured to propagate a sample in a flow stream, a light source configured to irradiate the sample in the flow cell and a detector system having an optical adjustment component and a detector that is configured to differentially detect light from the flow cell without a scatter bar. Systems according to certain embodiments are configured to differentially detect light by modulating one or more components of the optical adjustment component or the detector. Methods for differentially detecting light from a sample in a flow stream with a detector unit without a scatter bar are also described. Kits having two or more components for use in the subject systems are also provided.