Hyperboloid Reflective Chamber for Fluorescent Radiation Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometers collect only a small percentage of the fluorescent radiation generated during cytometric analysis, limiting the detection capabilities and accuracy in health research, biomarker studies, and protein engineering.
Innovation Solution
A novel cytometer flow cell design featuring a hollow or solid reflective chamber with a hyperboloid of revolution shape, coated with broadband reflective material, to concentrate and redirect fluorescent radiation for enhanced collection and analysis, along with additional features like capillary transport, frequency scattering ports, and multispectral wavelength selective detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional high numerical aperture optics are used to collect fluorescent radiation, then the optical system can be relatively simple, but the amount of fluorescent radiation collected is limited to a small percentage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical integration chamber where fluorescent radiation from particles is reflected multiple times off the spherical inner surface. This curved geometry ensures that radiation emitted in all directions eventually intersects the detector, dramatically increasing collection efficiency compared to conventional linear optical paths. The spherical shape naturally captures omnidirectional fluorescence emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integration chamber as an intermediary component between the fluorescence source and the detector. This chamber contains the fluorescent radiation temporarily, allowing it to undergo multiple reflections and interactions before reaching the detector. The chamber acts as a mediator that transforms the directional emission into omnidirectional detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical collection methods are used, then the system structure is simpler, but the detection sensitivity and ability to detect rare events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integration chamber enables continuous interaction between the fluorescent radiation and the detector by maintaining the radiation within the chamber for an extended period through multiple reflections. Instead of a single-pass detection, the radiation continuously strikes the detector surface, accumulating signal strength over time and improving detection sensitivity for rare events.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry maximizes the path length and number of reflections between the fluorescence source and detector, ensuring that even weak or sporadic fluorescent signals from rare events undergo multiple detection opportunities, thereby enhancing measurement precision and detection sensitivity.
3Area of stationary object
If high numerical aperture optics constrain the observation volume, then the optical system is more focused, but the volume of fluorescence emitted for observation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear optical path (one-dimensional collection) to a three-dimensional spherical integration chamber. This dimensional expansion allows fluorescent radiation to be collected from all spatial directions simultaneously, dramatically increasing the effective observation volume and the amount of radiation captured without requiring higher numerical aperture optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical integration chamber provides a three-dimensional collection volume where fluorescent radiation can be observed from all directions. This geometric approach expands the effective detection volume beyond what conventional focused optics can achieve, allowing observation of a larger portion of the emitted fluorescence.
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 design significantly increases the collection and analysis of fluorescent radiation, allowing for better detection of cells and biomarkers, improving research accuracy and sensitivity by capturing nearly the entire radiation signal, thereby enhancing detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber is typically internally coated with broadband reflective material, the selection of which is typically substrate dependent
Implementation Method 2
A novel cytometer flow cell design featuring a hollow or solid reflective chamber with a hyperboloid of revolution shape, coated with broadband reflective material, to concentrate and redirect fluorescent radiation
Implementation Method 3
Cells or particles of interest are bound with various fluorescent tags and generally sent via fluidic transport through an interrogation point, where the particles are then illuminated such as by a laser or other light source. Given an appropriate tag that will interact with the incident wavelength of light, the particles will then radiate a fluorescent signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting and analyzing maximized amounts of fluorescent radiation using frequency scattering ports or waveguides that absorb a desired size of wavelengths.