Holographic Optical Component for Multi-Source Fluorescence Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence measurement technologies face challenges in providing precise excitation light with narrow, steeply defined wavelength bands for multiple fluorophores with overlapping excitation and emission spectra, often requiring complex and costly setups with multiple light sources and interchangeable filters.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a holographic optical component to combine and redirect light from multiple light sources with different emission spectra onto a common specimen region, eliminating the need for additional optical components and movable parts, and allowing for precise wavelength selection and redirection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different emission spectra are used to excite multiple fluorophores, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional optical components and beam path alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beam paths from different light sources into a single common beam path using dichroic mirrors. The first beam path from the first light source and the second beam path from the second light source are merged at a dichroic mirror, allowing multiple excitation wavelengths to reach the specimen through a unified optical path, thereby reducing the number of separate optical systems needed
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic mirror serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam combiner to merge different wavelength beams, functions as a wavelength-selective element to direct specific excitation bands to the specimen, and enables a single detection path to capture fluorescence from multiple excited fluorophores. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining spectral versatility
2Measurement precision
If interchangeable band-pass filters are used on a slider or wheel to select wavelength bands, then the spectral precision is improved, but the device complexity and mechanical components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slider or wheel mechanism with a stationary optical system using dichroic mirrors. Instead of physically moving filters to change wavelengths, the system uses fixed dichroic mirrors that reflect or transmit specific wavelength bands, allowing wavelength selection through optical path design rather than mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the associated complexity and improving reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to address different fluorophores, then the multiplex capability is improved, but the alignment precision and beam path congruency become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam paths into a single common beam path at a defined point before the specimen. By combining the first beam path from the first light source and the second beam path from the second light source through dichroic mirrors, the system ensures that all excitation beams converge at the same spatial location, maintaining beam path congruency and simplifying alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic mirror acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the merging of beam paths. It receives beams from different light sources, selectively reflects or transmits specific wavelengths, and directs all beams through a common optical path to the specimen, thereby serving as a mediator that simplifies the alignment and integration of multiple light sources
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 solution provides a resource-saving, compact, and cost-effective excitation optic for fluorescence spectroscopy, enabling efficient illumination of specimens with multiple wavelength bands from a single direction, reducing light waste and inhomogeneity effects, and enhancing multiplex functionality in applications like real-time PCR.
Implementation Method 1
first light from the first light source and second light from the second light source are deflected via the holographic optical component onto a common specimen region
Implementation Method 2
holographic optical component
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for irradiating an in particular biological sample, includes a first light source, a second light source, and at least one holographic optical component. The first light source, the second light source, and the holographic optical component are positioned relative to one another in such a way that first light from the first light source and second light from the second light source are deflected via the holographic optical component onto a common specimen region for irradiation of the specimen.