Flow Cytometer Optical System with Modular Filter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometer optical systems require precise arrangement of beam splitters and filters, making it difficult to easily swap or modify detection parameters, which affects reliability and ruggedness.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with independently filtered detectors and a lens system that includes multiple lenses with coatings for specific wavelength filtering, allowing for flexible filter swapping and improved alignment, increasing reliability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam splitters and filters are arranged in a fixed order in conventional optical systems, then the system can function correctly, but the ability to easily swap or modify detection parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into independent detector subsystems, each with its own beam splitter and filter combination. This segmentation allows each detector to be independently configured and modified without affecting other detectors, enabling easy filter swapping while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial arrangement where multiple beam splitters are positioned at different locations in the optical path, creating independent detection channels. This dimensional reorganization allows filters to be swapped in one channel without disrupting the arrangement in other channels, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If beam splitters and filters are arranged in a particular order, then detector subsystems function correctly, but the reliability and ruggedness of the flow cytometer decrease due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into independent detector subsystems with localized beam splitters and filters, the patent reduces the overall alignment sensitivity. Each subsystem can be independently aligned and adjusted, so misalignment in one subsystem does not affect the reliability of other subsystems, improving overall detection reliability while reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical system is rearranged to change wavelength detection, then detection parameters can be modified, but the entire optical system including both filters and beam splitters must be re-arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into modular detector subsystems where each contains a beam splitter and filter combination. This allows users to modify detection parameters by simply replacing filters in specific subsystems without needing to re-arrange the entire optical system, significantly reducing the time required for parameter changes while maintaining adaptability.
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 easy modification of detection parameters without affecting other channels, enhancing the reliability and ruggedness of the flow cytometer by allowing filters to be swapped independently and improving light collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a lens system with multiple lens surfaces arranged around the interrogation zone
Implementation Method 2
The multiple detectors are each coupled to a local filter that independently filters the collected light for specific wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for a flow cytometer having a flow channel with an interrogation zone and an illumination source that impinges the flow channel in the interrogation zone includes a lens system and a detection system. The lens system preferably includes at least two lens surfaces located on opposite sides of the flow channel and configured to collect and collimate light from the interrogation zone. The detection system, configured to detect light from the lens system, preferably includes first and second detectors, a first filter that passes a first wavelength of light and reflects a second wavelength of light, and a second filter that reflects the first wavelength of light and passes the second wavelength of light, wherein the first and second filters are aligned such that light reflected from the first filter passes into the second detector and light reflected from the second filter passes into the first detector.