Flow Cytometer Optical Train Using Converging Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flow cytometry, existing optical systems with collimated beams require complex calibration and suffer from cross-talk and interference issues due to the coupling of focusing lenses, leading to lower data quality and difficulty in interchangeability of light sources.
Innovation Solution
The system uses converging beams propagated through an optical train with dichroic cubes instead of collimated beams, allowing independent adjustment of each laser beam without affecting adjacent beams, reducing aberrations and improving data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single focusing lens is used to focus multiple collimated beams, then the system structure is simplified, but the focus quality of individual beams degrades and calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate optical paths, with each laser beam having its own focusing lens. This segmentation allows each beam to be focused independently without interfering with other beams, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and focus quality by distributing the focusing function across multiple independent components rather than relying on a single shared lens.
2Stability of the object's composition
If collimated beams are used, then beam propagation is stable, but aberrations increase and data quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using converging beams instead of collimated beams. By introducing a lens before the beam combining element, the beams are converged rather than kept parallel. This inversion reduces aberrations and improves data quality while maintaining sufficient propagation stability through the optical train.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If beams are spatially separated to reduce cross talk, then cross talk decreases, but particle position uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial separation (one-dimensional solution) to wavelength-based separation (adding a new dimension). By using a dichroic beam combining element that separates beams by wavelength rather than space, the system reduces cross talk through spectral filtering while maintaining tight spatial overlap of beams, thereby preserving particle position accuracy.
4Productivity
If the optical system is configured for high particle analysis rates, then productivity increases, but calibration complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into independent modular paths, where each laser beam has its own focusing lens and can be aligned independently. This modularity simplifies calibration and alignment procedures while maintaining high particle analysis rates, as each module can be optimized and adjusted separately without affecting other beams.
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 enhances data quality, simplifies alignment and interchangeability of light sources, and reduces aberrations, resulting in improved particle analysis and increased efficiency in flow cytometry.
Implementation Method 1
A converging light beam is produced by a converging element for focusing onto a target
Implementation Method 2
The dichroic element can include two adjoined prisms and a wavelength selective coating located between the two adjoined prisms
Implementation Method 3
a wavelength selective coating located between the two adjoined prisms
Implementation Method 4
The light source can produce a substantially monochromatic light beam or can produce polychromatic light beams
Data Source
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AI summary
The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus for an optical configuration in a flow cytometer that allows for independent adjustment of focusing for each light source. Such systems, methods, and apparatuses require a final focusing element to be moved near the beginning of the optical train and for each optical element coming after the final focusing element to be configured to accommodate converging light beams while minimizing the introduction of aberrations into those beams.