Fluid Light Guide System for Cytometer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a practical and accurate way to guide light to the intersection of particles in a cytometer flow channel, such as blood cells, for effective particle analysis.
Innovation Solution
A fluid mechanism using immiscible fluids with different indices of refraction to confine and direct laser light into a flow channel, allowing precise guidance of light to and from the channel, similar to an optical fiber, with a micro pump system for fluid control, enabling precise alignment and detection of scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional light guidance methods are used, then light can be directed to particles in flow channel, but the light guidance is not accurate enough to reach within micron precision at the intersection of particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluidic channels with immiscible fluids having different refractive indices to guide light. The core fluid (e.g., water) has a higher refractive index than the sheath fluid (e.g., oil), creating an optical waveguide effect that confines and directs light to the particle intersection region with micron-level precision, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter by using immiscible fluids with different refractive indices. The core fluid is selected to have a higher refractive index than the sheath fluid, creating the conditions for total internal reflection and optical confinement. This parameter change enables precise light guidance without increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If light is directed down the middle of the channel, then light can reach particles, but scattered light collection is not precise enough for accurate particle analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a second set of fluidic channels with immiscible fluids to collect scattered light. The sheath fluid confines the scattered light within the core fluid channel, creating an optical waveguide that directs scattered light to the detector with high precision. This fluidic approach replaces complex mechanical optical alignment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The immiscible sheath fluid acts as an intermediary that confines and directs both the incident light and scattered light. By positioning the sheath fluid around the core fluid channel, it mediates the optical path and ensures precise light guidance and scattered light collection without requiring complex mechanical structures
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid channels are formed by micromachining or replica molding, then high resolution better than 0.1 micron can be achieved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluidic channels formed by micromachining or replica molding to create precise optical waveguides. The high resolution (better than 0.1 micron) channel formation enables accurate light guidance and particle intersection positioning. While the manufacturing process is complex, it enables the required precision that cannot be achieved by conventional methods
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 accurate determination of particle properties by precisely guiding and focusing light within a micron scale, improving the efficiency of particle analysis in cytometers by ensuring low turbulence and precise light control.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid mechanism using immiscible fluids with different indices of refraction to confine and direct laser light into a flow channel, allowing precise guidance of light to and from the channel, similar to an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
A fluid mechanism using immiscible fluids with different indices of refraction to confine and direct laser light into a flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a flow channel for conveying a sample and having fluid light guides for projecting light to the sample target area and collecting light from the sample target area. The system may have fluid light guides on or off the card containing the flow channel. Accurate alignment may be provided by the fluid light guides in lieu of requiring precise alignment for the light source and detectors. The flow channel may be part of a cytometer system.