Fluid-Column Light Collection With Position-Independent Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light collection efficiency in fluid columns is position-dependent due to refraction at the fluid-air interface, leading to inaccuracies in quantifying light emanating from objects within the column, particularly in applications like jet-in-air flow cytometers where precise light quantification is required.
Innovation Solution
The optical arrangement modifies the output light by selectively masking rays at planes of the optical system to reduce the dependence of intensity on object position, using techniques such as angle masking and spatial masking to achieve uniform light intensity irrespective of object position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is collected from objects at different positions in the fluid column without modification, then the optical arrangement is simple, but the intensity of detected light varies significantly with object position due to refraction at the fluid-air interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical arrangement including refraction correction optics positioned between the fluid column and detector. This intermediary optical system corrects the refraction effects at the fluid-air interface, ensuring that light from objects at different positions within the fluid column is focused uniformly on the detector, thereby eliminating position-dependent intensity variations while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the detection system by incorporating optics with specific refractive indices and focal lengths that compensate for the refraction occurring at the fluid-air boundary. By changing the optical path and focusing parameters, the system achieves uniform light intensity detection regardless of object position within the fluid column
2Area of stationary object
If the optical arrangement is designed to collect light from all positions in the fluid column, then the coverage area is maximized, but the intensity uniformity across different object positions deteriorates due to refraction effects
Solution Approach 1:
The refraction correction optics serve as an intermediary that receives light from the entire fluid column cross-section and redistributes it uniformly across the detector. This optical mediator maintains full detection coverage while correcting the non-uniform intensity distribution caused by refraction at the fluid-air interface
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement creates an equipotential light distribution on the detector by compensating for the refraction-induced intensity variations. Objects at different positions within the fluid column produce uniformly intense signals on the detector, achieving position-independent detection sensitivity across the entire detection area
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 enhances the precision of light collection by reducing intensity variations, allowing for accurate discrimination between different types of objects based on their light characteristics, improving the performance of systems like X/Y sperm sorting.
Implementation Method 1
The output light crosses an optical refraction boundary of the fluid column between the object and the optical arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A method of distinguishing between a first type of object and a second type of object in a fluid column by receiving output light from an objects in the fluid column, generating an electrical signal in response to the output light, and compensating for position dependence of the object in the fluid column.