Laser Sample Carrier Reference Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-resolution microscopy methods face contamination issues due to plastic fragments detaching from sample carriers during laser-induced grid line formation, which accumulate and interfere with optical quality.

Innovation Solution

Using multi-broken lines instead of solid lines for the reference structure, formed by a laser, reduces thermal effects and microplasma formation, minimizing plastic fragment detachment and accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If solid lines are used for the reference structure, then the reference structure is continuous and provides good localization, but thermal effects and microplasma formation cause plastic fragments to detach and contaminate the sample carrier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidcontamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous solid lines are segmented into multi-broken lines consisting of multiple discrete line segments separated by gaps. This segmentation reduces the continuous thermal exposure and microplasma formation along the line path, thereby minimizing plastic fragment detachment while maintaining the reference structure's localization function through the distributed pattern of segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The laser writes the reference structure using periodic pulsing rather than continuous irradiation. By applying laser energy in periodic pulses that create discrete line segments with gaps between them, the method reduces cumulative thermal effects and microplasma formation compared to continuous solid line writing, while still achieving adequate localization precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If laser is used to form reference structure, then the grid lines can be introduced efficiently, but plastic fragments are detached by thermal effects and accumulate on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid line introduction efficiencyVSAvoidplastic fragment detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The laser writing process is segmented into multiple discrete pulses that create multi-broken lines instead of continuous solid lines. This segmentation maintains writing efficiency by automating the process while reducing harmful thermal accumulation and microplasma formation that cause plastic fragment detachment and surface contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The laser writing process maintains continuity in terms of automation and efficiency by systematically writing the reference structure across the sample carrier surface. However, the continuous action is modulated into periodic pulses with gaps, ensuring that productivity is preserved while thermal effects and fragment detachment are reduced

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method produces higher-quality sample carriers with reduced contamination, suitable for high-resolution microscopy by forming the reference structure below the surface or within the plastic body, preventing plastic fragments from becoming surface impurities.

Implementation Method 1

forming the reference structure comprises generating the at least one line or point with the aid of a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

plastic fragments are detached from the plastic body by thermal effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal effects: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the formation of microplasma, which fragments then accumulate on the surface of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicroplasma formation: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP3095517B1Sample carrier with a reference structure and method for producing a sample carrier with a reference structure
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 IBIDI
  • EP3095517B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3095517B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a sample carrier made of plastic, comprising the steps of providing a plastic body and forming a reference structure in or on the plastic body, wherein the formation of the reference structure comprises generating at least one multiply interrupted line using a laser.