Fluorescence Measurement Device Using Filtered Laser Diodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence measurement devices for small animals face challenges in reducing leak light, switching excitation wavelengths and directions, and minimizing device size, especially when observing macroscopic samples, due to the use of wide-spectrum light sources and complex optical fiber systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser diodes or light-emitting diodes as light sources with integrated filters to eliminate stray light, combined with electrical switching for wavelength and direction control, allows for precise excitation and reduced device size, eliminating the need for optical fibers and filter wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide-spectrum light source (tungsten halogen lamp) is used to irradiate the sample, then multiple excitation wavelengths can be provided, but leak light components overlap with fluorescence wavelengths reducing detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The wide-spectrum light source is segmented into multiple discrete wavelength components using a filter wheel with multiple bandpass filters. Each filter transmits only a specific excitation wavelength range, separating the continuous spectrum into distinct wavelength bands that can be selectively applied to different fluorescent probes.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as intermediaries to transmit the filtered excitation light from the filter wheel to the measurement chamber. The optical fiber bundle delivers the selected wavelength components while blocking stray light, acting as a mediator between the light source system and the sample.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a filter wheel with multiple filters is used to select excitation wavelengths, then wavelength switching is achieved, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle serves multiple functions: it transmits excitation light from the filter wheel to the measurement chamber, blocks stray light through its cladding structure, and can be configured in different geometries (ring shape, linear array) to accommodate various measurement chamber designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional light-blocking components.
3Ease of operation
If optical fibers are used to guide excitation light to measurement positions, then light delivery is achieved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber parameters (core diameter, cladding diameter, numerical aperture, fiber length) are optimized to balance light transmission efficiency with device compactness. The fiber bundle is arranged in specific geometric patterns (ring shape around the sample, or linear array) to match the measurement chamber configuration, reducing the need for additional positioning mechanisms.
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 configuration enhances fluorescence detectability by minimizing leak light, enabling sensitive and efficient fluorescence imaging with improved switching capabilities and reduced device size, allowing for multidirectional observation and faster measurement times.
Implementation Method 1
providing a filter, which completely blocks wavelength components of the exciting light, on the detection side
Implementation Method 2
an exciting light-irradiating device having a plurality of exciting light sources placed at mutually different positions
Implementation Method 3
light emitted from fluorescent molecules of interest by irradiating a sample with exciting light has a wavelength different from that of the exciting light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a fluorescence measurement device for a living body configured to be able to reduce wavelength components that will become leak light and to easily switch a wavelength and an irradiation direction. The fluorescence measurement device for a living body comprises: a sample holder on which a living body sample is to be placed; an exciting light-irradiating device having a plurality of exciting light sources arranged at mutually different positions, each of which is composed of a laser diode or a light-emitting diode and is provided with a filter having an optical property to eliminate, from a spectrum of the exciting light source, disturbing wavelength components overlapping with wavelength components of fluorescence to be detected; an electrical switch for switching lighting of the exciting light sources; a detector for picking up an image produced by fluorescence emitted from the sample placed on the sample holder; and an image display device for displaying the image picked up by the detector.