Fluorescence Imaging Housing with Light Traps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence imaging systems face limitations in sensitivity due to high background noise levels, particularly when auto-fluorescence of the target is low, such as in Near-InfraRed wavelength imaging of western blots on membranes or glass media, where residual scattering and fluorescence from the system contribute significantly to noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluorescence imaging system with a housing structure featuring interior walls with low auto-fluorescing materials, a platform with a low auto-fluorescing finish and texture, and a baffle structure to mask and trap scattered excitation light, along with an optically transparent window and light-trap structures to contain scattered light, effectively reducing background noise components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional housing materials and surfaces are used in fluorescence imaging systems, then manufacturing is simpler and cost-effective, but background noise from auto-fluorescence and scattered light increases, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies black coating or dark finishing to interior surfaces of the housing structure to reduce auto-fluorescence. This color change transforms the optical properties of the housing materials, making them non-fluorescent in the detection wavelength range and minimizing their contribution to background noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-trapping structures and baffles as intermediary elements between the excitation source and the detector. These structures intercept scattered excitation light and prevent it from reaching the detector, thereby reducing background noise without requiring changes to the fundamental housing materials.
2Measurement precision
If standard interior surfaces are used in the housing structure, then device complexity is lower, but scattered excitation light reaches the detector, worsening background noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing interior into multiple functional zones using baffles and light-trapping structures. These segmented elements are strategically positioned to intercept scattered light at different locations, providing effective background suppression through a modular approach that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds three-dimensional light-trapping structures and baffles to the otherwise two-dimensional housing interior. By introducing vertical and depth dimensions through these structures, the system effectively blocks scattered light paths without requiring complex material compositions.
3Measurement precision
If conventional materials are used for the platform and housing, then ease of manufacture is higher, but residual scattering and fluorescence from these materials limit sensitivity, especially in Near-InfraRed imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies black coating or dark finishing on the platform and interior surfaces to eliminate auto-fluorescence in the Near-InfraRed detection range. This simple surface treatment approach maintains ease of manufacture while dramatically improving sensitivity by ensuring housing materials do not contribute to background signal.
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 design significantly suppresses background noise, allowing for increased sensitivity and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) by minimizing residual scattering and fluorescence, enabling longer exposure times without optical background limitations, thereby enhancing the performance of fluorescence imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
interior walls having a material finish and texture that provides a surface that absorbs at least a portion of any impinging excitation light and which has low auto-fluorescing properties
Implementation Method 2
a baffle structure to mask and trap scattered excitation light
Implementation Method 3
light-trap structures to contain scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence imaging system having an enclosure having an optical excitation and detection system and features designed to suppress or reduce background fluorescence. In certain aspects, all or a portion of the interior walls has a material finish and texture that provides a surface that absorbs at least a portion of any impinging excitation light and which has low auto-fluorescing properties. In certain aspects, a baffle structure is provided on the interior of the structure and is configured to mask portions of the interior and reduce the opening through which light impinges on the detector. In certain aspects, a platform having an optically transparent window is located in the interior of the housing structure for holding a sample for excitation by excitation light from an excitation source, wherein a light-trap structure is positioned or located on an opposite side of the platform relative to the excitation source and configured to receive and contain a substantial portion of any scattered or transmitted excitation light.