Flow Cytometer Optical System with Swappable Local Filters
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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 due to interdependence of channel light detection.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a lens system comprising multiple lenses and independently filtered detectors, where each detector is coupled with a local filter that can be easily swapped, allowing for independent wavelength filtering without affecting other channels, and featuring truncated lenses for increased numerical aperture and light collection efficiency.
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 detection function works correctly, but the system cannot easily modify detection parameters and requires re-arrangement of the entire optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into independent detector channels, each with its own filter and beam splitter assembly. This segmentation allows each channel to be configured and modified independently without affecting other channels, enabling easy detection parameter changes while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system employs movable and adjustable components, particularly in the beam splitter assemblies that can be repositioned along the optical path. This dynamic arrangement allows flexible configuration of detection parameters without requiring complete system re-arrangement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If filters are arranged in a particular order in conventional optical systems, then the detector subsystems function correctly, but the user must skillfully arrange filters and the system lacks ruggedness
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector channel is segmented with its own dedicated filter and beam splitter assembly, eliminating the need for precise global arrangement. This modular approach makes the system more rugged and easier to operate, as filters can be installed in any order within their respective channels without affecting overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system implements local filtering at each detector channel rather than global filtering. Each channel has its own filter with specific wavelength selection, allowing independent optimization and simplifying operation. This local quality approach eliminates the need for skillful global arrangement while maintaining detection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the step of filtering the light of the first channel affects the light of the second channel in conventional optical systems, then the optical path is simplified, but the channels are interdependent and cannot be independently modified
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into independent channel assemblies, each containing its own beam splitter, filter, and detector. This segmentation ensures that filtering operations in one channel do not affect other channels, providing complete channel independence while allowing the system to maintain a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple detector channels in a spatial dimension perpendicular to the main optical path, allowing independent filtering without inter-channel interference. This dimensional arrangement enables channel independence while avoiding the need for complex sequential filtering arrangements.
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 and enhances reliability and ruggedness by allowing filters to be swapped in any order without affecting other channels, while providing a brighter image with improved visualization of finer details.
Implementation Method 1
a lens system with multiple lens surfaces arranged around the interrogation zone
Implementation Method 2
local filters coupled to the detectors that independently filter the collected light for specific wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
The preferred embodiments of the invention is an optical system for a flow cytometer including a flow channel with an interrogation zone, and an illumination source that impinges the flow channel in the interrogation zone from a particular direction. The optical system preferably includes a lens system and a detection system. The lens system preferably includes multiple lens surfaces arranged along a plane perpendicular to the flow channel and adapted to collect and collimate light from the interrogation zone. The detection system preferably includes multiple detectors adapted to detect light from the lens system. Each detector preferably includes a local filter that independently filters for specific wavelengths. Thus, the user may easily swap the filters in any order to achieve the same detection parameters.