Integrating Sphere Light Collector for Biological Sample Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring biological materials in liquid samples, such as bacteria, are either complex, require extensive training, or struggle with sensitivity and data interpretation, particularly in determining concentration and growth rates.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an integrating sphere with a sample holder that allows light to be diffused and collected multiple times, enhancing sensitivity, combined with a modulated light source and phase-sensitive detection to measure scattered light, enabling precise monitoring of biological materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scattering spectrophotometers use intense light sources and monochromators to measure scattered light, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, sample chamber, and integrating sphere into a single integrated unit. The integrating sphere itself serves as both the sample holder and the light collection chamber, eliminating the need for separate monochromators and complex optical paths while maintaining measurement sensitivity through multiple internal reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an integrating sphere with a curved internal surface that reflects light multiple times. This spherical geometry ensures uniform light distribution and maximizes the path length of light through the sample without requiring complex optical components, thereby improving sensitivity while simplifying the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If flow cytometers use sheath-flow and narrow tubes to force individual cell passage, then cell counting accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample into individual cells through dilution in liquid medium, allowing them to pass through the measurement chamber one at a time. This simplifies the measurement process by eliminating the need for complex sheath-flow mechanisms while maintaining the ability to count and analyze individual cells accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows samples to be simply added to the integrating sphere chamber without requiring complex preparation or sheath-flow setup. The dilution process and individual cell passage occur naturally in the liquid medium, reducing operational complexity and training requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If nephelometers use integrating spheres to collect scattered light, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but unscattered light passes through without being collected, reducing measurement completeness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the detector at a specific angle relative to the incident light path within the integrating sphere, typically at 90 degrees. This angular arrangement allows the detector to capture scattered light that has been redirected by particles, while the integrating sphere's internal reflections ensure that both scattered and unscattered light contribute to the overall measurement signal, providing a more complete characterization of the sample.
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 allows for highly sensitive and accurate measurement of biological samples, including pathogen growth, with faster detection times and reduced operational complexity, achieving significant improvements over existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Light inside the cavity is reflected multiple times off the internal surface to produce a uniform distribution of light throughout the interior of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The hollow spherical cavity of the integrating sphere acts as a light diffusion and collection chamber
Implementation Method 3
Light is incident on a sample and may be scattered by particles in the sample before entering the integrating sphere
Implementation Method 4
combined with a modulated light source and phase-sensitive detection to measure scattered light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)(ii)
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
A system for measuring a sample comprising: an integrating sphere light collector (12) for collecting light and containing the sample; a light source (24) for introducing light in the integrating sphere light collector (12), wherein the light source (24) is operable to output light with a known modulation, preferably by using a signal generator (26); a detector (22) for detecting scattered light in the integrating sphere light collector (12) and generating a signal indicative of the scattered light, and a lock-in amplifier (28) operable use the known light modulation and the signal generated by the detector (22) to provide an output for analysis.