Flow Cytometer Filter Mask Positioning via Re-imager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers face challenges in accurately filtering radiated light due to variations in the position of the fluid path, which affect the optics system and lead to incorrect filtering of light rays, especially when the flow path is not at the focal point of the collection optics.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the filter mask at a focus insensitive region within the optics system, combined with the use of a re-imager to redirect diverging light rays and maintain proper alignment, ensures precise filtering of light rays based on radiation angles regardless of the fluid path's position, and using achromatic lens systems to minimize chromatic effects across different wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the filter mask is positioned at the focal point of the collection optics, then the filtering precision is maximized, but the system becomes highly sensitive to fluid path position variations
Solution Approach 1:
A re-imager optical system is introduced as an intermediary between the collection optics and the filter mask. This re-imager creates an intermediate image plane that serves as the new reference point for positioning the filter mask, decoupling the filtering function from direct dependence on the original focal point and fluid path position.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical configuration is changed by adding the re-imager, which transforms the optical parameters and creates a new effective focal plane. This parameter change allows the filter mask to be positioned at a location that is less sensitive to fluid path variations while maintaining filtering effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the filter mask is positioned away from the focal point to reduce sensitivity, then the position stability is improved, but the filtering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The re-imager acts as an intermediary that preserves the angular information of light rays while creating a new image plane. This allows the filter mask to be positioned at the re-imaged plane where position stability is improved, while the filtering precision is maintained through the preserved angular relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The re-imager transforms the optical path by adding a dimensional transformation that maps rays from the original focal plane to a new plane. This dimensional change allows filtering to occur at a location optimized for stability while maintaining the precision required for accurate angle-based filtering.
3Device complexity
If conventional optics are used without chromatic correction, then the device complexity is reduced, but chromatic effects degrade performance across different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
Achromatic lens systems are used, which combine multiple lens materials with different dispersive properties to cancel out chromatic effects. This composite optical approach corrects chromatic aberrations across different wavelengths while maintaining a manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the lens system are changed by using achromatic designs that compensate for wavelength-dependent refraction. This parameter optimization ensures consistent performance across multiple wavelengths without requiring excessive system complexity.
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 configuration allows for consistent and accurate filtering of light rays, reducing sensitivity to fluid path position variations and ensuring reliable detection of particle characteristics, even when the flow path is not at the focal point of the collection optics, while maintaining performance across multiple wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
Positioning the filter mask at a focus insensitive region within the optics system, combined with the use of a re-imager to redirect diverging light rays
Implementation Method 2
using achromatic lens systems to minimize chromatic effects across different wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
the position of the fluid path, which affect the optics system and lead to incorrect filtering of light rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow cytometer includes a flow nozzle, a light source, an optics system, and a sensor analyzer. The flow nozzle provides a fluid along a flow path. The light source generates a light beam that illuminates the fluid. The optics system collects light rays that are radiated from the light beam by the fluid and passes or blocks the light rays based at least in part on the radiation angles associated with the light rays.