Fluorescence Detector Surface and Light Guides for Background Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescent detection systems face challenges with high background noise and autofluorescence, which degrade the signal-to-noise ratio and hinder accurate detection of biological or chemical analytes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a detector system that incorporates a sensor array with light sensors and circuitry, along with light guides made from filter materials containing photon emission quenchers, such as metal complex dyes, to block excitation light and reduce autofluorescence, while also featuring a detector surface that cancels background light energy in the detection band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wide spectral bandwidth fluorescent dyes are used to excite multiple fluorophores, then spectral overlap and fluorescence range noise increase, but using narrow bandwidth dyes limits the ability to excite multiple fluorophores simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the excitation process by using multiple separate laser sources, each tuned to a specific wavelength, rather than using a single wide-bandwidth source. This allows selective excitation of different fluorophores at different time points while maintaining the ability to excite multiple fluorophores in the same sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by rapidly switching between multiple laser wavelengths in a time-multiplexed manner. Each fluorophore is excited at specific time intervals corresponding to its optimal excitation wavelength, enabling multi-fluorophore detection without spectral overlap
2Ease of operation
If continuous wave laser excitation is used, then the system is simple to operate, but fluorescence saturation occurs reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous wave excitation with pulsed laser excitation, where lasers emit light in periodic pulses rather than continuously. This temporal modulation prevents fluorescence saturation by allowing the fluorescent molecules to return to their ground state between pulses, thereby maintaining measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple to operate
3Illumination intensity
If high laser power is used to excite fluorophores, then signal intensity increases, but photobleaching and cellular damage occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed laser excitation where high power is delivered only during brief pulse intervals rather than continuously. This periodic delivery maintains high signal intensity during detection while providing rest periods that prevent photobleaching and reduce cellular damage, thereby improving measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous detection capability through rapid pulsing, where the cumulative effect of many short pulses provides sufficient total signal while minimizing damage. The system continuously monitors fluorescence over time using repeated low-duty-cycle pulses, preserving both signal quality and sample integrity
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser wavelengths are used to excite different fluorophores, then multi-color imaging capability improves, but system complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (such as a beam combining apparatus or dichroic mirrors) that merges multiple laser wavelengths into a single excitation path. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by consolidating multiple laser sources while maintaining the ability to selectively excite different fluorophores through wavelength-specific optics
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 solution significantly enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing autofluorescence and background noise, leading to more accurate and reliable detection of fluorescent signals from analytes.
Implementation Method 1
excitation of 488 nm fluorophores
Implementation Method 2
excitation of 561 nm fluorophores
Implementation Method 3
excitation of 647 nm fluorophores
Implementation Method 4
light scattering and fluorescence emission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A device comprising: a structure (260) defining a detector surface (206) for supporting biological or chemical samples; a sensor array (201) comprising light sensors (202), and circuitry to transmit data signals based on photons detected by the light sensors (202); and a guide array comprising light guides (214); wherein light guides (214) of the guide array receive excitation light (101) and emissions signal light (501) from the detector surface (206), wherein the light guides (214) extend toward respective light sensors (202) of the sensor array (201) and comprise filter material that blocks the excitation light and permits the emissions signal light to propagate toward the respective light sensors (202), wherein the detector surface (206) includes a reaction recess (210), the reaction recess comprising an index of refraction and a dimension sufficient to cancel background light energy incident on the detector surface in a detection band of the sensor array. A method comprising steps for fabricating the device.