Fluorescence Lifetime Measurement Using Analog Mean Delay and ROI Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence lifetime measurement techniques are inefficient in computing the fluorescence lifetime of samples, particularly due to the need for extensive data collection and analysis across entire samples, which prolongs the measurement process and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method incorporate an analog mean delay (AMD) unit to compute fluorescence lifetime using the difference between average times of first and second clock signals, and a time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) module to analyze specific regions of interest (ROI), significantly reducing measurement time by focusing on designated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescence lifetime measurement techniques are used to analyze entire samples, then comprehensive data is obtained, but measurement time is excessively long and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample analysis into two stages: first, a rapid AMD measurement of the entire sample to identify regions of interest; second, a detailed TCSPC measurement only of those specific regions. This segmentation allows comprehensive initial assessment followed by focused detailed analysis, reducing overall measurement time while maintaining accuracy for critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing detailed TCSPC measurement only on selected regions of interest rather than the entire sample. The AMD method provides sufficient initial data for most areas, and TCSPC is applied partially only where needed, optimizing the balance between measurement comprehensiveness and time efficiency.
2Productivity
If rapid measurement methods are used, then measurement time is reduced, but measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary AMD measurement of the entire sample before conducting detailed TCSPC measurements. This preliminary action quickly identifies regions of interest and provides baseline fluorescence lifetime data, enabling subsequent focused measurements to concentrate resources on areas requiring higher precision while maintaining overall measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical scanning approach with a hybrid system that uses computational methods (AMD) for rapid initial assessment and substitutes time-consuming full-sample TCSPC measurements with targeted regional measurements, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing precision where needed.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive sample analysis is performed, then complete fluorescence lifetime data is obtained, but computational complexity and data processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates only the regions of interest from the complete sample data for detailed TCSPC analysis. By taking out specific regions identified through AMD measurement rather than processing entire sample data with computationally intensive TCSPC methods, the system reduces data processing complexity while retaining complete information for critical areas.
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 allows for rapid computation of fluorescence lifetime, reducing overall measurement time and enhancing accuracy by analyzing only the regions of interest, thereby improving the efficiency of fluorescence lifetime measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence photon detection unit configured to collect fluorescence photons generated by illuminating a sample including fluorescence molecules with the emission light
Implementation Method 2
a conversion unit configured to convert the collected fluorescence photons into a first clock signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluorescence lifetime measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an illumination light generation unit that generates illumination light, a fluorescence photon detection unit that collects fluorescence photons generated by illuminating a sample including fluorescent molecules with the illumination light, a conversion unit that converts the collected fluorescence photons into a first clock signal and converts illumination light that does not pass through the sample into a second clock signal, a first module that analyzes a fluorescence lifetime of the collected fluorescence photons from the conversion unit, a control unit that designates a range of interest (ROI) of the sample from the first module, and a second module that analyzes a fluorescence lifetime of fluorescence photons corresponding to the ROI.