Temperature-Controlled Prism Alignment for Flow Cytometry Laser Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometry systems with static detectors face alignment challenges due to the need for movable optical components, leading to calibration and stability issues, and existing setups with movable optics are prone to errors and mechanical instability.
Innovation Solution
The use of temperature-controllable prisms in laser modules to adjust the position of laser beams impinging on a flow cell, allowing for precise alignment without mechanical movement, by altering the refractive index through temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable optical components are used to align excitation light with static detectors, then alignment flexibility is improved, but mechanical stability and calibration reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces movable mechanical optical components with a temperature-controlled prism system. The prism's refractive index is adjusted via temperature control to change beam direction, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while achieving alignment flexibility. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with thermal-optical control resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability without compromising mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the prism (temperature) to achieve alignment adjustment. By controlling the temperature of the prism, the refractive index changes, which in turn adjusts the beam direction. This parameter change approach allows flexible alignment while avoiding mechanical movement, thereby improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If movable optical components are used for alignment, then beam position adjustability is improved, but device complexity and mechanical instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical components by using a temperature-controlled prism system. Instead of moving optical elements to adjust beam position, the system uses thermal control to change the prism's refractive index, thereby adjusting beam direction. This reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature control as an intermediary mechanism between the laser source and the beam path. By controlling the temperature of the prism, the system indirectly controls beam direction without direct mechanical intervention. This intermediary approach simplifies the system while maintaining adjustability.
3Measurement precision
If prisms are used instead of mirrors to direct laser beams, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature control to change the refractive index of the prism, providing precise control over beam direction. This parameter change mechanism allows for accurate alignment while using a single prism type, avoiding the complexity of multiple mirrors and alignment mechanisms.
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
Enables stable and automated calibration of laser beam positions, ensuring accurate alignment of excitation light sheets with static detectors, reducing errors and improving mechanical stability in flow cytometry systems.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a temperature of at least one of the prisms, thereby controlling the position at which the corresponding laser beam impinges on the flow cell
Implementation Method 2
controlling a temperature of at least one of the prisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a position at which laser beams used in flow cytometry impinge on a flow cell is provided. The method comprises directing each of the laser beams through a respective prism pair comprising a first and a second prism. The method further comprises controlling a temperature of at least one of said first and second prisms of each prism pair. The first and second prisms of each prism pair are oriented such that an ellipticity of a laser beam passing through the prism pair is changed, and such that controlling the temperature of at least one of said first and second prisms results in a displacement of the laser beam passing through the prism pair along a direction corresponding to a minor transversal axis of the beam at the flow cell, wherein a position at which each of the plurality of laser beams impinges on the flow cell is controlled by controlling a temperature of at least one of the first and second prisms of each corresponding prism pair. A corresponding arrangement for use in flow cytometry is provided.