Frequency-Multiplexed Flow Cytometry Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cytometers face challenges in accurately differentiating and counting multiple particle types, such as blood cells, due to limitations in measuring optical scattering properties at multiple wavelengths, which require complex synchronization and multiple detector arrays.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexing scheme using modulation frequencies to distinguish light of various wavelengths, allowing a single detector to collect and demultiplex signals from multiple wavelength sources, enabling multi-dimensional measurements without the need for spatially separated detectors or complex timing synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detector arrays with spatial separation are used to measure light scattering at multiple wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength light sources and their corresponding detection paths into a single detector assembly. By modulating each wavelength source at a distinct frequency and using frequency demultiplexing, the system merges what would traditionally require separate spatially-separated detector arrays into one integrated detection system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-wavelength measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of each wavelength light source at distinct frequencies. This periodic action allows the system to encode multiple wavelength signals in the time domain, enabling a single detector to distinguish and measure scattering at multiple wavelengths through frequency demultiplexing, thus avoiding the need for complex spatial separation of detectors
2Measurement precision
If spatially separated detector arrays are used for multi-wavelength scattering measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/synchronization-based approach of coordinating multiple spatially-separated detectors with an electronic frequency-domain approach. By modulating each wavelength source at a distinct frequency and demultiplexing signals electronically, the system eliminates the need for complex timing synchronization between multiple detector arrays, thereby reducing measurement difficulty while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength sources are used for particle differentiation, then particle differentiation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single detector assembly perform the function of multiple wavelength-specific detectors by using frequency modulation and demultiplexing. This universal approach allows one detector to handle multiple wavelength measurements simultaneously, providing the particle differentiation accuracy of multi-wavelength systems without the complexity of multiple specialized detector arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light sources by modulating each at a distinct frequency. This parameter change enables the system to encode multiple wavelength information in the frequency domain, allowing a single detector to extract differentiation information across multiple wavelengths through frequency-based signal separation, thus improving particle differentiation without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of particle differentiation and counting by allowing simultaneous measurement of light scattering at multiple wavelengths, improving the optical interrogation technique and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Each wavelength light source may be modulated at a unique frequency sufficiently separated from the other modulated sources to enable its signal to be demultiplexed unambiguously at the output of the detector
Implementation Method 2
Light from all modulated sources scattered by the particle under measurement may be collected on the same detector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexed set of light sources having outputs of light with various wavelengths which are combined into one beam. The beam may impinge a particle in a flow channel of a cytometer. The light leaving the flow channel may be sensed by a detector and the light distinguished according to wavelength.