Fluorescence Lifetime Detection Using Variable Time Windows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fluorescence lifetime are complex and expensive, particularly due to the need for sophisticated electronic systems for data evaluation in fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure the light quantity and/or number of photons between excitation light pulses within varying detection time windows, allowing for the characterization of fluorescence lifetime by modifying the duration of these windows and associating measured data with the detection time window onset, enabling the sampling of the integral decay curve and differentiation over time to infer fluorescence lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated electronic systems are used for data evaluation in fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic time-measuring systems with a purely optical detection approach. By using a photodetector to measure light quantity within defined detection time windows and processing this data through mathematical evaluation, the system achieves fluorescence lifetime measurement without requiring sophisticated electronic timing hardware. This substitution of electronic measurement with optical measurement and mathematical analysis resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection time windows are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection period into multiple discrete detection time windows (first detection time window, second detection time window, etc.), each with specific duration and timing relative to excitation light pulses. This segmentation of the continuous detection process into discrete temporal segments allows accurate sampling of the fluorescence decay curve while maintaining system simplicity. Each time window is processed independently through the same photodetector and evaluation routine, avoiding the need for complex hardware while achieving precise multi-point sampling.
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 simplifies the measurement of fluorescence lifetime, reducing complexity and cost by using a single detection time window per excitation pulse and enabling precise characterization of decay behavior, allowing for the calculation of fluorescence lifetime and half-life, and generation of FLIM images.
Implementation Method 1
Important knowledge about the properties of a sample can be acquired by investigating the lifetime of the excited states of the sample marked with one or more fluorescent dyes
Implementation Method 2
a detector that receives the detected light proceeding from the sample and that measures, within a detection time window, the light quantity and/or number of photons of the detected light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for investigating a sample with regard to the lifetime of an excited state, in particular a fluorescence lifetime, and/or with regard to a property of a sample which is correlated with a lifetime of an excited state, in particular with a fluorescence lifetime, a sample region being illuminated with a sequence of excitation light pulses. The method is characterized in that the light quantity and/or number of photons of the detected light, in particular fluorescent light, proceeding from the sample region is measured temporally between the excitation light pulses exclusively within a detection time window in each case, at least two detection time windows having different temporal lengths.