Flow Cytometer Spatial Filter Signal-to-Noise Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry methods using structured illumination struggle to detect scattered light with a high signal-to-noise ratio due to the complexity of the mechanism required, making it difficult to capture detailed morphological information of cells.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometer is designed with a simpler mechanism that includes a spatial optical modulation device, a first optical element, and spatial filters to modulate and detect scattered light, ensuring a high signal-to-noise ratio and detailed morphological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured illumination is used to detect scattered light for detailed morphological analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a spatial optical modulation device that patterns illumination light, a flow path for cell introduction, and detection optics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision for morphological analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
A spatial optical modulation device acts as an intermediary between the light source and the cells, transforming uniform illumination into structured patterns (e.g., stripes or grids). This intermediary component enables detailed morphological measurement without requiring complex direct illumination systems.
2Measurement precision
If structured illumination is used to detect scattered light, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial optical modulation device automatically generates structured illumination patterns from a standard light source, eliminating the need for manual pattern alignment or complex optical adjustments. The system self-configures the illumination geometry, simplifying operation while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls illumination parameters (pattern spacing, orientation, intensity) through electronic modulation rather than mechanical adjustment. This allows precise control of structured illumination parameters while maintaining ease of operation through software-based configuration.
3Device complexity
If conventional flow cytometry is used to obtain total fluorescence brightness, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from measuring only total fluorescence intensity (one-dimensional scalar) to capturing spatially-resolved scattered light patterns (two-dimensional spatial distribution). This dimensional expansion preserves morphological information while using a relatively simple optical detection architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits wavelength-dependent scattering characteristics of cells, using multiple wavelengths or spectral analysis of scattered light to extract morphological information. This approach retrieves detailed cellular structure data without requiring complex multi-channel fluorescence detection systems.
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 proposed solution enables the detection of modulated light, such as scattered light, with a high signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for detailed morphological analysis of cells without the need for fluorescent labeling, thereby facilitating high-speed separation of target cells.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial optical modulation device configured to modulate light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a first optical element configured to form an image of the light modulated by the spatial optical modulation device in the flow path
Implementation Method 3
a first spatial filter disposed in a first optical path between the light source and an image position of the light imaged in the flow path by the first optical element and having a first region which hinders traveling of the light emitted from the light source towards the observation object
Implementation Method 4
a second spatial filter disposed in a second optical path between the first light detector and the image position and having a second region which directs the light modulated by the observation object towards the first light detector
Implementation Method 5
detect the light imaged by the first optical element and modulated by the observation object flowing in the flow path, wherein scattered light emitted from cells that have been irradiated with light is related to morphological information
Implementation Method 6
a first light detector configured to detect the light imaged by the first optical element and modulated by the observation object flowing in the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
This flow cytometer includes a flow path through which an observation object flows with a fluid; an optical illumination system including a spatial optical modulation device, and a first optical element; and an optical detection system including a first light detector, wherein the optical illumination system further includes a first spatial filter disposed in a first optical path between a light source and an image position of light imaged in the flow path by the first optical element and having a first region which hinders traveling of light emitted from the light source towards the observation object, the optical detection system further includes a second light detector disposed in a second optical path between the first light detector and the image position and having a second region which directs the light modulated by the observation object towards the first light detector, and the position of the first region and the position of the second region are in a substantially optically conjugate relationship.