Optical Flow Cytometry Splitter for Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems face limitations in accurately measuring fluorescent emissions from samples due to the dynamic range limitations of single optical sensors, which can lead to saturation issues and reduced detection capabilities for both low and high intensity signals.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bifurcated optical sensor system with a partially-reflective surface to split fluorescent emissions between a first optical sensor with smaller detection cells and a second optical sensor with larger detection cells, allowing for broader dynamic range detection and adjusting measurements based on the ratio of emissions received by each sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single optical sensor is used to detect fluorescent emissions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision is limited due to dynamic range constraints and saturation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is segmented into multiple sensors with different detection cell sizes. The first optical sensor has smaller detection cells optimized for high-intensity signal detection, while the second optical sensor has larger detection cells optimized for low-intensity signal detection. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate within its optimal dynamic range, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by distributing the detection workload across specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical sensor with fixed detection cell size is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability to detect both low and high intensity signals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical detection system are assigned different local qualities in terms of detection cell size. The first optical sensor employs smaller detection cells with higher spatial resolution for detecting high-intensity emissions, while the second optical sensor employs larger detection cells with greater light collection area for detecting low-intensity emissions. This local differentiation of sensor characteristics enables the system to adapt to various signal intensities without requiring a single complex multi-functional sensor.
3Reliability
If the detection cells are made larger to capture more fluorescent emissions, then the sensitivity for low-intensity signals is improved, but the ability to resolve high-intensity signals without saturation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two parallel detection channels with different cell sizes. The first channel with smaller cells provides precise measurement for high-intensity signals by preventing saturation, while the second channel with larger cells provides sensitive detection for low-intensity signals. The controller selectively uses appropriate channels or combines measurements from both, ensuring reliable and precise measurement across the full dynamic range without compromising either sensitivity or precision through a single compromised sensor design.
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 enables the detection of a wider range of fluorescent emission intensities, improving the accuracy of measurements and enabling the detection of low-intensity signals without saturating the second optical sensor, thereby enhancing the overall sensitivity and reliability of flow cytometry analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to illuminate the sample in the flow cell to cause the fluorescent material to produce fluorescent emissions
Implementation Method 2
a partially-reflective surface configured to reflect a first portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to the first optical sensor and direct a second, greater portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to the second optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed relating to fluorescence-based flow cytometry. A flow cytometer may include a partially-reflective surface configured to reflect a first portion of fluorescent emissions from a sample to a first optical sensor and direct a second, greater portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to a second optical sensor and a controller configured to determine a value representing the intensity of the fluorescent emissions based on a first measurement taken by the first optical sensor, a second measurement taken by the second optical sensor, or both. A flow cytometer may include a baseplate with a first side and a second, opposing side with a flow cell, a laser, and a reflective surface disposed above the first side and an optical sensor and isolating material disposed below the second side. The reflective surface receives fluorescent emissions and reflects at least a portion through the baseplate to the optical sensor. A flow cytometer may include a flow cell, a laser, a first optical sensor positioned to measure scattered laser light, a second optical sensor positioned to measure fluorescent emissions, and a controller configured to adjust the measurements taken by the second optical sensor based on a comparison of measurements taken by the first optical sensor with expected measurements based on a known beam profile of the laser beam.