Fluorescence Detection Device Using Astigmatism and Spectral Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence detection devices face challenges in accurately distinguishing and removing autofluorescence and outside-region fluorescence, leading to reduced detection accuracy due to the complexity of positioning and size of apertures, which increases the passage of unwanted fluorescence.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence detection device incorporating an astigmatism element and a spectral element that separates fluorescence into distinct light rays, allowing only the fluorescence from the sample position to be detected by positioning the light-receiving section specifically for the sample-generated fluorescence, thereby isolating it from autofluorescence and other unwanted fluorescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an aperture is placed in front of the light detector to converge fluorescence, then the position adjustment becomes difficult, but the detection accuracy improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light separating element as an intermediary component between the aperture and the light detector. This element separates the light flux into multiple light rays, with each ray corresponding to fluorescence from a specific depth position. By using this intermediary, the system achieves both accurate position alignment (through the aperture) and effective fluorescence separation (through the light separating element), resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and ease of adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the opening section size is increased to simplify position adjustment, then the position adjustment becomes easier, but the ratio of autofluorescence passage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light flux into multiple separate light rays using the light separating element. Each light ray corresponds to fluorescence from a specific depth position (e.g., sample position vs. autofluorescence position). This segmentation allows the aperture to be larger for easier adjustment while still preventing autofluorescence from reaching the detector, as the unwanted fluorescence is separated into different spatial regions.
3Measurement precision
If a light separating element is added to separate fluorescence by depth position, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light separating element serves as a compact intermediary component that performs the complex function of depth-position-based fluorescence separation in a single optical element. This approach achieves high detection accuracy without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or multiple separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing the improvement in measurement precision.
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 effectively removes autofluorescence and outside-region fluorescence, enhancing the accuracy of fluorescence detection from the target sample by ensuring only sample-generated fluorescence is received by the detector, thus improving detection precision with a simpler setup.
Implementation Method 1
an astigmatism element for introducing astigmatism to fluorescence having entered the objective lens from the sample holding carrier and having passed through the objective lens
Implementation Method 2
a spectral element for separating the fluorescence into a plurality of light rays and a fluorescence detector for receiving the light ray separated by the spectral element. The spectral element disperses the fluorescence on the light receiving surface of the light detector
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens that converges the irradiation light at the sample on the sample holding carrier
Implementation Method 4
a fluorescence detector for receiving the light ray separated by the spectral element
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a fluorescence detection device that can effectively remove autofluorescence using a simple configuration. A fluorescence detection device comprises: semiconductor laser for emitting excitation light; an objective lens for converging excitation light onto a sample on a biosensor substrate; an anamorphic lens which introduces astigmatism to fluorescence that is from the biosensor substrate and incident on the objective lens and that passed through the objective lens; a spectral element for separating the fluorescence into a plurality of light rays; and a fluorescence detector for receiving the light rays separated by the spectral element. On the light receiving surface of the fluorescence detector, the spectral element splits the fluorescence so that the fluorescence generated at the sample is separated from the fluorescence generated at a specific depth position other than the sample position.