Fluorescence Lifetime Measurement Using Overlapping Charge Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The measurement of fluorescence lifetime is inefficient and power-consuming due to the need for multiple measurement cycles when fluorescence is weak, as current methods require capturing photocharges in separate time windows, increasing the time and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine fluorescence lifetime by capturing electric charge generated during two overlapping periods of a single measurement cycle, incorporating the charge into first and second measures, and combining these to efficiently calculate the fluorescence lifetime, thereby reducing the number of cycles and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement cycles are used to capture sufficient photocharges for weak fluorescence, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capture of photocharges from two different time windows into a single measurement cycle. Instead of requiring multiple separate cycles to accumulate sufficient charge, the system captures charges during overlapping time periods (first time window and second time window) within one cycle, combining them to achieve the necessary measurement precision more quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of photocharges during the first time window before the fluorescence decay is complete. By starting the measurement process early and capturing charges during the overlapping period, the system prepares data in advance, reducing the total measurement time required while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement cycles are used to capture sufficient photocharges for weak fluorescence, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photocharge capture operations from multiple intended cycles into a single measurement cycle by utilizing overlapping time windows. This merging reduces the total number of cycles required, thereby decreasing the cumulative power consumption while still achieving sufficient photocharge accumulation for precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous capture of photocharges during overlapping time periods without interruption. By keeping the detection system active and capturing charges continuously during the overlap period rather than completing full cycles, the system maintains useful action without the energy waste of repeated complete measurement cycles.
3Measurement precision
If separate time windows are used for capturing photocharges, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate time window capture operations into a unified single-cycle process. Instead of requiring distinct sequential cycles with separate timing controls, the system uses overlapping time windows within one cycle, reducing the complexity of timing control and data processing while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multi-window capture.
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 more expeditious measurement of fluorescence lifetime and conserves power by capturing electric charge during overlapping periods of a single cycle, improving the efficiency of the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
A light-sensitive diode may be employed to convert incident light to current
Implementation Method 2
The chain of photophysical events also includes fluorescence, intersystem crossing, such as from a singlet state to a triplet state, and phosphorescence
Implementation Method 3
In this regard, in an instance in which a molecule absorbs a photon of appropriate energy, a chain of photophysical events is triggered. These photophysical events include internal conversion or vibrational relaxation, both of which result in the loss of energy in the absence of light of emission
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to determine the fluorescence lifetime in an efficient manner. In the context of a method electric charge generated by fluorescence emission during two overlapping time periods of a single measurement cycle is stored to form first and second measures. The electric charge generated during that segment of the two time periods during which the two time periods overlap is incorporated in the first measure and in the second measure. The method also includes determining a fluorescence lifetime based at least in part upon the first and second measures.