Flow Cytometry Light Detection via Wavelength Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detection systems in flow cytometry face challenges in efficiently characterizing particles in a flow stream due to variations in light scattering, transmission, and emission, which affect the quality of the optical signal.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a light source to irradiate particles in a flow stream, utilizing a light detection system with a wavelength separator and a light adjustment component, such as a double telecentric lens, to continuously convey light across the wavelength separator, allowing for spectral discrimination and detection by a photodetector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the surface area of the detector is increased to raise the amount of light reaching the detector, then the light detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension (detector surface area) to temporal dimension (continuous light conveyance during particle propagation). By maintaining a compact detector surface area while extending the interaction time through continuous light conveyance across the wavelength separator as particles propagate, the system achieves high detection capability without increasing detector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The light adjustment component continuously conveys light from propagating particles across the wavelength separator throughout the particle's passage through the interrogation region. This continuous action maximizes the utilization of light signals over time, compensating for the limited detector surface area and achieving high detection precision without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If light collection from the sample is increased to raise the amount of light reaching the detector, then the optical signal quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength separator serves multiple functions: it separates wavelengths for spectral discrimination and simultaneously acts as a platform for continuous light conveyance. The light adjustment component performs both collimation and continuous temporal conveyance functions. This multi-functionality achieves high optical signal quality without requiring additional specialized light collection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously conveys light from propagating particles across the wavelength separator throughout the entire passage through the interrogation region. This continuous light conveyance maximizes light collection efficiency over time, improving optical signal quality without requiring complex additional light collection hardware.
3Measurement precision
If spectral discrimination is implemented to characterize particle components, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength separator acts as an intermediary component that enables spectral discrimination by separating different wavelength components of light from particles. This intermediary approach achieves accurate particle characterization through spectral analysis without requiring directly complex multi-detector spectral imaging 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
This approach enables precise characterization and identification of particles based on the pattern or shape of the photodetector signal pulse, allowing for accurate sorting and analysis of particles in the flow stream.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength separator component configured to pass light having a predetermined spectral range across the wavelength separator
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to detect light conveyed across the wavelength separator
Implementation Method 3
When a sample is irradiated, light can be scattered by the sample
Implementation Method 4
light can be scattered by the sample, transmitted through the sample as well as emitted by the sample (e.g., by fluorescence)
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle in a flow stream by spectral discrimination. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source configured to irradiate a particle propagating along a flow stream through an interrogation region, a light detection system that includes a wavelength separator component configured to pass light having a predetermined spectral range across the wavelength separator, a light adjustment component configured to continuously convey light from the irradiated particle across the wavelength separator as the particle is propagated along the flow stream through the interrogation region and a photodetector configured to detect light conveyed across the wavelength separator. Systems also include a processor for generating a photodetector signal pulse in response to light detected from the wavelength separator. Methods and kits for detecting light with the subject systems are also described.