Free Space Optical Collection for Phase Fluorimetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluorescent-based sensors for analyte detection in bioreactors face issues such as photo-degradation, limited collection efficiency of fluorescent signals, and susceptibility to mechanical perturbations due to the use of optical fibers, leading to inaccurate and unreliable measurements.

Innovation Solution

An optical collection system that eliminates the use of optical fibers, utilizing free space transmission for both excitation light and fluorescent signals, allowing for a larger fluorophore area and enhanced collection efficiency, which reduces photo-degradation and improves signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining low excitation light intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical fibers are used for transmitting excitation light and collecting fluorescent signals, then the sensor can be compact and remotely positioned, but the collection efficiency is limited and mechanical perturbations cause measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidfluorescent signal collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes optical fibers from the fluorescent signal collection path, extracting the signal transmission function from the mechanical fiber medium. This eliminates the fundamental limitation of fiber collection efficiency while maintaining remote sensing capability through direct optical coupling between the fluorophore and detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a refractive index-matched optical coupling medium as an intermediary between the fluorophore and detector. This mediator maximizes light transmission by eliminating refraction losses at interfaces, achieving near-100% collection efficiency without the mechanical constraints of optical fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If high intensity excitation light is used to compensate for low collection efficiency, then sufficient signal can be detected, but photo-degradation of the fluorophore increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection capabilityVSAvoidphoto-degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful combination of low collection efficiency and high excitation intensity into a beneficial system where near-100% collection efficiency enables accurate detection with minimal excitation light intensity, eliminating photo-degradation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If optical fibers are used for signal transmission, then remote positioning is enabled, but mechanical perturbations and position changes cause baseline drift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote positioning capabilityVSAvoidbaseline stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical fiber transmission system with a direct optical coupling system using refractive index-matched media. This substitution eliminates mechanical perturbations and position sensitivity while preserving the ability to position sensors in various locations through rigid mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Achieves nearly 100% collection efficiency of fluorescent photons, reducing photo-degradation and improving accuracy and service life of the sensors, while maintaining low excitation light intensity, thus addressing the limitations of existing fiber-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

fluorescent signals given off by fluorophores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

utilizing free space transmission for both excitation light and fluorescent signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

Achieves nearly 100% collection efficiency of fluorescent photons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7489402B2Optical collection geometries for phase fluorimetry

Publication Date: 2009.02.10 FINESSE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for the stimulation and collection of fluorescent signals from a target analyte. The apparatus comprises:i) a frequency modulated optical source which emits excitation light of a wavelength which will stimulate a target fluorophore to emit a fluorescent signal when illuminated by the excitation light,ii) a first optical filter interposed between the optical source and the target fluorophore,iii) a second optical filter interposed between the fluorophore and a photo-detector and positioned to receive the emitted fluorescent signal. The beam path of at least one, preferably both, of the excitation light and the fluorescent signal is transmitted substantially through free space. A data processor will normally be used to calculate and record the phase delay between the excitation light and the fluorescent signal.