Flow Cytometer Optical Engine Using MPPC Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems face challenges with complex and expensive optical designs that are difficult to align and adjust, and have limited light collection efficiency, using multiple lenses and photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs) that are bulky and complex to use.
Innovation Solution
An optical engine for flow cytometry that includes a set of lasers focused to different vertical positions within a flow cell, with collection and filtration optics that separate fluorescence by wavelength range and vertical position, using multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs) for detection, allowing for simpler design, higher efficiency, and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple lenses and photo-multiplier tubes are used for light collection and detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases and alignment difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single camera sensor that captures fluorescence from multiple vertical positions simultaneously. Instead of using separate photo-multiplier tubes for each detection channel, the invention uses one camera with appropriate optics to merge the detection paths, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point detection (1D temporal scanning) to simultaneous planar detection (2D spatial capture). By using a camera sensor that captures the entire fluorescence field at once, the system eliminates the need for complex alignment of multiple detectors while maintaining high detection sensitivity across all channels.
2Loss of energy
If complex optical designs with multiple lenses are used, then light collection efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single camera sensor that performs multiple detection functions simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized optical paths. This universal detector approach maintains high light collection efficiency while dramatically simplifying manufacturing, as fewer precision optical components are required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating multiple identical detection channels with separate lenses and detectors, the invention uses one camera to capture all channels at once. This single-copy approach eliminates the need to manufacture and align multiple identical optical assemblies, greatly improving ease of manufacture while preserving light collection efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If photo-multiplier tubes are used for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device portability and ease of operation worsen due to bulky size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, bulky, and complex photo-multiplier tubes with more compact and easier-to-operate camera sensors. While camera sensors have different characteristics, they provide sufficient detection sensitivity for flow cytometry applications while dramatically improving system portability and ease of operation.
4Loss of energy
If multiple lenses are used for light collection, then light collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light collection paths into a single optical system that feeds one camera sensor. This consolidation maintains high light collection efficiency from all vertical positions while eliminating the need for complex alignment and adjustment of multiple separate lens assemblies.
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
The optical engine enhances light collection efficiency, reduces complexity, and improves detection sensitivity, enabling the use of fewer optic components and more efficient measurement of fluorescent signals, while allowing for interchangeable components to tailor the system to specific experimental needs.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent molecules coupled to cells are passed through a flow cell and excited by a set of lasers. The fluorescence is collected and separated into different channels with specific detection wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
collection optics for collecting fluorescence emitted from the flow cell... separate the fluorescence of a same wavelength range into different locations in a focal plane of the collection optics
Implementation Method 3
filtration optics that filter collected fluorescence from the flow cell into different wavelength ranges
Implementation Method 4
the set of optics further separate the fluorescence of a same wavelength range into different locations in a focal plane of the collection optics according to the different lasers by which the fluorescent light is excited
Implementation Method 5
a detector that selectively detects light from the different locations thereby distinguishing between fluorescence emitted within the same wavelength range as excited by different lasers within the set of lasers and converts light to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical engine its use in a bench top flow cytometer, the optical engine having a set of lasers, each focused horizontally along an x-axis to a same horizontal position and vertically along a y-axis to a different vertical position along a same excitation plane of a flow cell, a set of optics that separate fluorescence of a same wavelength range into different locations in a focal plane of collection optics according to the different lasers by which the fluorescent light is excited; and a detector that selectively detects light from the different locations thereby distinguishing between fluorescence emitted within the same wavelength range as excited by the different lasers.