Fluorescence Photometer Optical Fiber Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence photometers face challenges in observing emission distribution, emission color, and emission intensity on a fluorescence surface of samples, especially when samples are too large to fit within the sample chamber, and existing methods are limited by the need for multiple optical filters, which increase measurement time and restrict the wavelength range.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence photometer equipped with a light-guiding member comprising an imaging unit, excitation light-guiding member, and fluorescent light-guiding member, allowing for simultaneous imaging and spectrum acquisition while continuously changing the excitation light wavelength, enabling the observation of samples of any size and reducing observation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical filters are used to select excitation wavelengths, then the wavelength range can be covered, but the measurement time increases due to filter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength selection function from mechanical filter changes and implements it through optical fibers that can deliver specific wavelengths without physical filter replacement. The excitation light source and filtering mechanism are separated from the sample chamber, allowing wavelength changes without time-consuming filter exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as intermediaries between the excitation light source and the sample, enabling wavelength selection and delivery without direct mechanical intervention in the measurement path. This mediator allows rapid wavelength switching while maintaining measurement continuity.
2Reliability
If a sample chamber is used to accommodate the sample, then the measurement can be performed, but samples that are too large cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample from the constraint of the sample chamber by delivering excitation light and collecting fluorescence outside the chamber. The measurement system is decoupled from the sample containment structure, allowing large samples to be measured in their natural positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber-based system provides universal applicability to samples of any size or shape, replacing the chamber-based approach that is limited by physical dimensions. The same system can measure both small and large samples without modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If excitation light is guided to the sample outside the sample chamber, then large samples can be measured, but the emission distribution and color cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
An imaging unit coupled with optical fibers acts as an intermediary to capture and transmit visual information about the fluorescence emission. This allows simultaneous delivery of excitation light and collection of emission images, preserving spatial distribution information while measuring large samples outside the chamber.
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
Enables the acquisition of spectra and images for arbitrary target regions of samples, regardless of size, by guiding excitation light and fluorescent light through optical fibers, reducing the need for filter changes and allowing for precise, efficient observation of fluorescence surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a light-guiding member that guides excitation light from the photometer unit to a sample placed outside the photometer unit
Implementation Method 2
guides fluorescent light emitted from the sample to the photometer unit
Implementation Method 3
The light-guiding member includes: an imaging unit that images the sample
Implementation Method 4
an excitation-side spectroscope configured to separate light emitted from the light source to generate excitation light
Implementation Method 5
a fluorescence-side spectroscope configured to separate fluorescent light emitted from a sample irradiated with the excitation light to generate monochromatic light
Implementation Method 6
at least a light source, an excitation-side spectroscope configured to separate light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 7
fluorescent light emitted from a sample irradiated with the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence photometer includes a photometer unit and an optical fiber unit. The photometer unit includes a light source, an excitation-side spectroscope for separating light emitted from the light source to generate excitation light, and a fluorescence-side spectroscope for separating fluorescent light emitted from a sample irradiated with the excitation light to generate monochromatic light. The optical fiber unit guides the excitation light to the sample placed outside the photometer unit and guides the fluorescent light emitted from the sample to the photometer unit and includes an image fiber for capturing an image of the sample, an excitation-side fiber arranged around the image fiber and for guiding the excitation light to the sample, and a fluorescence-side fiber arranged around the image fiber and to guide the fluorescent light emitted from the sample to the photometer unit. The excitation-side fiber and the fluorescence-side fiber are arranged to surround the image fiber.