Differential Geiger-Mode Photon Counting for Wide-Range Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photodetectors in flow cytometry and other biological analysis contexts lack a wide enough dynamic range to effectively capture conjugated fluorescence signals, leading to insufficient sensitivity and accuracy in detecting low-level fluorescence.
Innovation Solution
A silicon-based photon sensor operating in differential Geiger-mode, combined with advanced signal processing techniques such as differentiation and adaptive pedestal clamping, allows for high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range of up to six orders of magnitude, enabling accurate detection of individual photons and multiple photon events even during quenching dead time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional photodetectors are used in flow cytometry, then device simplicity is maintained, but sensitivity and dynamic range are insufficient to capture conjugated fluorescence signals
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector is divided into multiple independently operable regions including a first region for detecting first wavelength light and a second region for detecting second wavelength light. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for specific wavelength ranges, improving overall sensitivity and dynamic range for conjugated fluorescence detection while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection capabilities into the spectral dimension by incorporating multiple wavelength detection regions within a single photodetector device. This dimensional expansion from single-wavelength to multi-wavelength detection enables simultaneous capture of conjugated fluorescence signals across different spectral bands, significantly enhancing measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If conventional photodetectors are used, then device complexity is low, but dynamic range is insufficient (less than six orders of magnitude)
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector is divided into multiple independently operable regions including a first region for detecting first wavelength light and a second region for detecting second wavelength light. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for specific wavelength ranges, improving overall sensitivity and dynamic range for conjugated fluorescence detection while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes including single-photon counting mode and linear mode, with the capability to switch between Geiger mode and linear mode based on signal requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to handle a wide range of photon flux levels, achieving six orders of magnitude dynamic range by adjusting operational parameters in real-time
3Measurement precision
If single-photon spectrometer is used, then sensitivity for low-level fluorescence is improved, but measurement speed and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection capabilities within a single integrated device: single-photon counting capability, multi-wavelength detection regions, and multiple operation modes (Geiger mode and linear mode) are merged into one photodetector system. This integration maintains high sensitivity for low-level fluorescence while improving measurement speed by eliminating the need for sequential measurements across different devices or modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous detection across a wide dynamic range by maintaining operational capability in both single-photon counting mode and linear mode simultaneously or switchably. This continuous operational capability ensures that the device can track fluorescence signals continuously without interruption or mode switching delays, improving productivity while maintaining sensitivity
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
The system provides enhanced sensitivity and dynamic range, allowing for precise measurement of low-level fluorescence and autofluorescence phenomena with high spectral resolution, supporting next-generation cellular analysis and material characterization.
Implementation Method 1
A silicon-based photon sensor operating in differential Geiger-mode
Implementation Method 2
A silicon-based photon sensor operating in differential Geiger-mode
Data Source
AI summary
An example system can include a support and two or more sensor elements mounted to the support. Each sensor element can be electrically connected to a common electrical node and may include: a respective quench resistor connected to a respective internal node; and a respective photodiode (PD) connected to the respective internal node; a differentiating element fed by at least one of the photodiodes; a first readout electrode fed by the common electrical node; and a second readout electrode fed by the differentiating element. The common electrical node may be connected to at least one of the quench resistors or at least one of the photodiodes.