Multi-Channel Fluorescence Optical System Using Beam Splitter and Fiber Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-channel fluorescence analyzers are bulky and costly due to the need for multiple detecting units, filters, and rotating filter wheels, limiting their speed and suitability for miniaturization, especially when analyzing samples in micro-fluidic channels.
Innovation Solution
A small, cost-effective multi-channel fluorescence measuring optical system using a single optical system with a light source, integrator, beam splitter, and optical fiber bundles with photodiodes, enabling uniform light distribution and simultaneous multi-wavelength fluorescence measurement across multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple detecting units are used to simultaneously measure multiple samples, then measurement speed and throughput are improved, but device volume and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated optical system. A single light source illuminates multiple sample channels simultaneously, and a single detector array captures fluorescence signals from all channels at once. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate detecting units, thereby maintaining high throughput while significantly reducing device volume and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple sample channels using shared components. The single light source and detector array serve all sample channels simultaneously, making the system universal rather than dedicated to individual channels. This approach enables simultaneous measurement of multiple samples without requiring proportional increases in system size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating filter wheel is used for multi-wavelength measurement, then multi-color fluorescence analysis is enabled, but measurement speed is limited by the frame rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating filter wheel system with a stationary optical configuration. Instead of mechanically rotating filters to achieve multi-wavelength measurement, the system uses multiple stationary bandpass filters positioned at different angles around the optical path. A single detector can sequentially measure different wavelengths by switching between filter positions, or multiple detectors can simultaneously measure different wavelengths without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating frame rate limitations.
3Device complexity
If sequential scanning of multiple samples is performed using one detecting unit, then device complexity is reduced, but total measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection capabilities into a single integrated detector array that can simultaneously detect fluorescence signals from multiple sample channels. This merging allows parallel measurement of all samples in one optical system, maintaining low device complexity while eliminating the time penalty associated with sequential scanning.
4Measurement precision
If as many photodetectors and filters as samples are used for simultaneous measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal detector array and filter configuration that serves multiple sample channels simultaneously. Rather than dedicating one photodetector and one filter per sample channel, the system uses shared components that can detect signals from all channels. This universal approach maintains measurement precision through proper optical design and signal processing while significantly reducing the total number of components required, thereby lowering manufacturing cost.
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, precise, and cost-effective multi-channel, multi-wavelength fluorescence analysis, enabling miniaturization of the optical system and reducing manufacturing costs, making it suitable for ultra-small sample holders with micro-fluidic channels.
Implementation Method 1
a light source; an integrator for making the light irradiated from the light source have a uniform intensity distribution
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter between the integrator and the sample holder for dividing the incident light in a predetermined ratio
Implementation Method 3
detecting fluorescence light emitted from the samples
Implementation Method 4
optical fiber bundles with photodiodes
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel fluorescence measuring optical system and a multi-channel fluorescence sample analyzer using the optical system are provided. The multi-channel fluorescence measuring optical system, which irradiates light onto a plurality of sample channels and detecting fluorescence radiated from samples, includes: a light source; an integrator for giving the light irradiated from the light source a uniform intensity distribution; a sample holder having a plurality of sample channels on which the samples are mounted, wherein the samples are exited by the light emitted from the integrator; and a beam splitter between the integrator and the sample holder for dividing the incident light in a predetermined ratio. Since the light intensities of fluorescence images are detected using optical fiber bundles and photodiodes, the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced, and the optical system can be miniaturized.