Integrated Light Pipe Excitation for Low-Footprint Fluorescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for fluorescent detection in biological or chemical research are expensive and require a large footprint, while solid-state detectors lack a large optical assembly for efficient fluorescent emission detection.
Innovation Solution
A light energy exciter system comprising a light source and a light pipe that emits excitation light, homogenizes it, and directs it towards a detector surface, with a sensor array that blocks excitation light and allows emissions signal light to propagate to sensors, using a detector with circuitry to transmit data signals based on photon detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large optical assembly is used for fluorescent detection, then detection efficiency is improved, but device footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the excitation light source, light pipe for homogenization, and sensor array into a single integrated detector assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate large optical components while maintaining detection efficiency through the light pipe's ability to homogenize and direct excitation light effectively onto the sample and sensor surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe serves multiple functions: it homogenizes the excitation light, directs it toward the detector surface, and couples the light source to the sample area. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate optical components, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining detection performance.
2Measurement precision
If a large optical assembly with lenses and filters is used, then fluorescent emission detection is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate lenses and filters by integrating their functions into the light pipe and detector assembly. The light pipe's optical properties provide the necessary light conditioning without requiring additional discrete optical components, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary component that performs the functions traditionally requiring lenses and filters. It homogenizes the excitation light and directs it appropriately, serving as a mediator between the light source and sample that eliminates the need for multiple separate optical elements, thus reducing manufacturing cost.
3Illumination intensity
If excitation light is not blocked, then signal intensity is improved, but autofluorescence interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector assembly implements local quality by having the sensor array spaced apart from the detector surface, creating a specific spatial configuration. This arrangement allows excitation light to be blocked where it would cause autofluorescence interference while still maintaining sufficient illumination intensity at the sample location for effective fluorescent signal generation.
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 efficient and cost-effective fluorescent detection without a large optical assembly, enabling accurate detection of fluorescent emissions with reduced autofluorescence interference.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system is used to direct excitation light onto fluorophores, e.g. fluorescently-labeled analytes and to also detect the fluorescent emissions signal light that can emit from the analytes having attached fluorophores
Implementation Method 2
a light pipe homogenizing the excitation light and directing the excitation light toward a distal end of the light energy exciter
Implementation Method 3
the detector blocking the excitation light and permitting the emissions signal light to propagate toward light sensors of the sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
There is set forth herein a light energy exciter that can include one or more light sources. A light energy exciter can emit excitation light directed toward a detector surface that can support biological or chemical samples.