High Throughput Partial Wave Spectroscopy Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
First-generation Partial Wave Spectroscopy (PWS) instruments are limited by slow data acquisition rates, requiring 3-4 minutes per cell and up to 4-5 hours to process a sample of 30 cells, hindering high-volume clinical and biological studies.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-throughput PWS systems that utilize automated hardware and software for rapid sample analysis, including tunable illumination, motorized apertures, and predictive autofocusing, enabling acquisition of PWS images in under 20 minutes for a single sample slide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional PWS measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity is severely limited due to 3-4 minutes per cell acquisition time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral acquisition process by using a tunable filter to sequentially select different wavelength bands, allowing the detector to capture spectral information at multiple discrete wavelengths during a single cell transit. This segmentation of the spectrum into measurable bands enables rapid spectral acquisition without requiring multiple sequential measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the tunable filter and detector system to capture spectral data at multiple wavelengths simultaneously as the cell moves through the measurement zone. The spectral information is collected in advance during the cell's brief passage, eliminating the need for repeated measurements at each wavelength
2Reliability
If multiple cells are analyzed to ensure diagnostic accuracy, then measurement reliability improves, but loss of time increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement by moving the cell sample through the measurement zone while the detector continuously collects spectral data at multiple wavelengths. This continuous action allows multiple cells to be measured in sequence without interruption, maintaining diagnostic reliability through analysis of multiple cells while minimizing total measurement time
3Measurement precision
If spectral resolution is maintained for accurate nanoarchitecture detection, then measurement precision is preserved, but data acquisition speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically tunable filter that can rapidly switch between different wavelength selections. This dynamic tuning allows the system to maintain spectral resolution by selectively measuring at specific wavelengths while acquiring data rapidly, as the filter can change wavelength settings during the cell transit without requiring slow sequential scanning
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 significantly reduces data acquisition time, allowing for rapid analysis of multiple samples, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and research throughput while maintaining image quality and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a focused wave of broadband, low-spatially-coherent light illuminates a sample, and an image formed by back-scattered photons is acquired in the far field
Implementation Method 2
PWS virtually divides a cell into a collection of parallel channels each with a diffraction-limited transverse size, detects back-scattered waves propagating along 1D trajectories within these channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides methods, systems, and apparatuses to achieve high throughput and high speed acquisition of partial wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopic images. In particular, provided herein are high-throughput, automated partial wave spectroscopy (HT/A-PWS) instruments and systems capable of rapid acquisition of PWS Microscopic images and clinical, diagnostic, and research applications thereof.