Flow Cytometry Light Collection Mount with Optical Aligners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometry systems face challenges in effectively collecting and measuring light emitted by samples due to limitations in optical alignment and light collection efficiency, which affects the quality of optical signals and subsequent characterization and sorting of biological materials.
Innovation Solution
An optically aligned light collection system comprising a mount, connector, and optical collection component, with aligners and fasteners for precise alignment, and the ability to couple with either fiber optics or free-space light relay systems, enhances light collection and alignment, ensuring accurate measurement of light emitted by samples in flow cytometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional light collection systems are used in flow cytometry, then the system structure is simpler, but the light collection efficiency and optical signal quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light collection system is divided into multiple independent optical components including a condenser lens, a beam splitter, and a detector assembly. Each component can be independently optimized and adjusted to maximize light collection efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If the detector surface area is increased to collect more light, then the optical signal quality improves, but the device complexity and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the detector. The beam splitter directs specific wavelengths of light to the detector, enabling high-quality optical signal collection without requiring an excessively large detector surface area, thus avoiding increased system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If optical components are added to improve light collection, then light collection efficiency improves, but the alignment precision and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components are pre-aligned and pre-assembled into a integrated light collection assembly before installation in the flow cytometry system. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the system is deployed, the optical components are already positioned with high precision, reducing the need for complex post-installation alignment procedures.
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 system improves light collection efficiency and optical alignment, leading to enhanced characterization and sorting capabilities in flow cytometry by ensuring that light is accurately and effectively measured across various wavelengths, thereby improving the overall quality of optical signals.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the connector is coupled to a free-space light relay system or a fiber optics light relay system
Implementation Method 2
an aligner at the proximal end of the connector for releasably coupling to and maintaining optical alignment between the mount, the orifice plate and an optical collection component
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for collecting light (e.g., in a flow stream) are described. Light collection systems according to embodiments include: a mount having an orifice for receiving light, an adapter configured for attaching a camera to the mount and a fastener for attaching a lens to the distal end of the mount and a releasably attachable connecter that is configured for coupling to an orifice plate and an aligner that is configured to couple with an aligner on the mount and maintain optical alignment between the mount and connector. Methods for coupling a connector and a mount are also described. Systems and methods for measuring light emitted by a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) are also provided.