Fluorescent Layer Illumination Apparatus for Microfluidic Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems for microfluidic devices in analyzers are limited in their ability to selectively and precisely illuminate multiple contiguous surfaces with defined wavelengths for fluorescence excitation, particularly in molecular diagnostic assays.
Innovation Solution
An illumination apparatus comprising a fluorescent layer and an optical layer, where the fluorescent layer emits fluorescent light beams excited by an excitation light beam, and the optical layer converts these beams into focused beams and directs them to specific target areas on the microfluidic device, utilizing holographic optical elements to control wavelength and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional illumination systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to selectively illuminate multiple surfaces with defined wavelengths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple fluorescent regions (first fluorescent region, second fluorescent region) with different wavelength characteristics. Each region can be independently excited and controlled, enabling selective illumination of different target areas on the microfluidic device with different wavelengths simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
A wavelength-selective optical element (holographic optical element or diffraction grating) is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the microfluidic device. This optical element selectively directs different wavelengths to different target areas, enabling precise wavelength control without requiring multiple separate illumination systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used for different wavelengths, then wavelength control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple light sources with different wavelengths, the system uses a single broadband light source and changes the wavelength parameter through the wavelength-selective optical element. The optical element acts as a spectral filter that directs specific wavelength ranges to different fluorescent regions, achieving precise wavelength control while maintaining a simple single-source structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength-selective optical element creates multiple virtual light sources by directing different wavelengths from a single physical source to different locations. This optical copying approach eliminates the need for multiple physical light sources while achieving the same functional effect
3Device complexity
If a broadband light source is used, then the device is simple, but the spectrum is not precisely defined
Solution Approach 1:
A wavelength-selective optical element is positioned between the broadband light source and the fluorescent regions to act as a spectral mediator. This element selectively transmits or directs specific wavelength bands while blocking others, thereby precisely defining the excitation spectrum for each fluorescent region without requiring complex multi-source systems
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 precise and flexible illumination of multiple surfaces with defined wavelength spectra, enhancing fluorescence excitation for molecular diagnostic assays, such as PCR, by allowing independent control of wavelength and direction, reducing unwanted wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent layer arranged on a carrier element with at least one fluorescent region, which is configured to emit a fluorescent light beam excited by an excitation light beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical layer arranged on a side of the carrier element opposite the fluorescent layer and having at least one optical area configured to convert the fluorescent light beam into a focused focusing beam and direct the focusing beam to a target area of the microfluidic device
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus is for illuminating a microfluidic device arranged in a receiving region of an analyzer. The illumination apparatus includes a fluorescent layer arranged on a carrier element with at least one fluorescent region configured to emit a fluorescent light beam excited by an excitation light beam. The carrier element is designed to be transparent to the wavelength of the fluorescent light beam. The illumination apparatus further includes an optical layer arranged on a side of the carrier element opposite the fluorescent layer with at least one optical area configured to convert the fluorescent light beam into a focused focusing beam and to direct the focusing beam to a target area of the microfluidic device.