Interferometric Object Detection on Flow Channel Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometry systems face challenges in accurately characterizing components in a flow stream due to impurities on the surface of the flow channel, which affect light characterization and separation processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves irradiating the flow cell with two or more frequency modulated beams of light, detecting reflected beams, calculating the frequency of interference oscillations, and determining the distance between surfaces to detect the presence of objects on the flow channel surface, using a laser and photodetector system with adjustable input current and wavelength modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is directed through the flow channel to characterize components, then characterization capability is improved, but impurities on the flow channel surface interfere with light and reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the flow channel surface condition by measuring the distance between the flow channel surface and reference surface using optical interference before the actual flow cytometry measurement. This preliminary action identifies impurities or deviations that would interfere with subsequent measurements, allowing for corrective actions or data compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement process using optical interference patterns. By measuring the distance between surfaces through interference fringes, the system creates an intermediary indicator of surface condition that correlates with impurity presence, without directly measuring the impurities themselves.
2Measurement precision
If the flow channel surface is monitored for impurities, then measurement accuracy is improved, but additional detection complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system serves multiple functions: it both characterizes the flow stream components (original flow cytometry function) and detects flow channel surface conditions (additional function). By modulating the laser frequency and analyzing interference patterns in the collected light, the system simultaneously performs both measurements using the same optical path and detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the laser frequency parameter over time (frequency modulation) to encode distance information in the interference pattern. By sweeping the laser frequency and measuring the phase shift or fringe patterns in the reflected light, the system extracts surface distance information without requiring additional hardware beyond what is needed for standard flow cytometry.
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 enables accurate detection of objects on the flow channel surface, improving the characterization and separation of components by minimizing the impact of impurities and enhancing the reliability of flow cytometry processes.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the flow cell with two or more frequency modulated beams of light from a laser
Implementation Method 2
detecting first and second reflected beams of light reflected by a first surface and a second surface of the flow channel
Implementation Method 3
calculating a frequency of oscillations generated by interference between the first and second reflected beams of light
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining whether an object is present on a surface of a flow channel of a flow cell. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating the flow cell with two or more frequency modulated beams of light from a laser, detecting first and second reflected beams of light reflected by a first surface and a second surface of the flow channel, calculating a frequency of oscillations generated by interference between the first and second reflected beams of light, determining a distance between the first surface and the second surface based on the calculated frequency of interference oscillations and determining whether an object is present on the surface of the flow channel based on the determined distance. Systems for practicing the subject methods having a laser configured to irradiate a flow cell with two or more frequency modulated beams of light and a photodetector configured to detect reflected beams of light from surfaces of the flow channel are also described. Kits having a laser and an electric current source configured to adjust an input current to the laser are also provided.