Transverse Lens Translation for Stable Elongated Laser Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flow cytometry, beam focus movement during assembly or repositioning leads to degradation of the beam intensity profile, affecting measurement precision and consistency due to variations in scattering and emission, which can result in erroneous particle identification.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a beam source, beam forming optics, a first focusing lens, and a second focusing lens, with a lens translator to move the second lens transversely relative to the beam forming optics and the first lens, maintaining a flat-top intensity distribution during focus repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beam focus is moved during assembly or repositioning, then the focus can be adjusted to accommodate misalignment, but the beam intensity profile degrades and measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam shaping through adjustable optical elements (such as deformable mirrors or variable focus lenses) that can adapt the beam intensity profile in real-time as the focus position changes. This allows the system to maintain a flat-top profile even when the focus is repositioned during assembly or operation, resolving the contradiction between focus adjustability and intensity consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (such as wavefront curvature, beam divergence, or lens focal length) dynamically to compensate for focus position changes. By adjusting these parameters, the beam intensity profile is recalibrated to maintain its flat-top shape regardless of focus location, thereby preserving measurement precision while enabling focus movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the beam focus is moved to accommodate misalignment between optical apparatus and fluidic system, then modular assembly flexibility is improved, but the beam intensity distribution varies and particle detection consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary beam profile optimization before particle detection begins. Optical elements are pre-adjusted or pre-programmed to establish the optimal flat-top intensity profile for each expected focus position. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the focus is moved during modular assembly, the beam profile is already optimized for the new position, maintaining detection reliability without requiring real-time adjustments during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as position sensors or intensity monitors) that detect changes in focus position or beam profile characteristics. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust optical parameters or control elements to restore the desired flat-top profile, ensuring consistent particle detection even when the focus is repositioned to accommodate modular assembly variations.
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 maintains a low coefficient of variation and high contained power of the beam intensity profile, ensuring consistent particle scattering and emission independent of the particle's location, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first focusing lens having a focal length, a second focusing lens having a focal length similar to the focal length of the first lens... the beam forming optics, the first focusing lens, and the second focusing lens are arranged to receive a beam of laser radiation from the beam source and to form the beam into an elongated focus
Implementation Method 2
a lens translator configured to move the second lens transversely relative to the beam forming optics and to the first lens, and thereby move the elongated focus transversely
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An apparatus includes a beam source, beam forming optics, a first focusing lens having a focal length, a second focusing lens having a focal length similar to the focal length of the first lens, and a lens translator configured to move the second lens transversely relative to the beam forming optics and to the first lens, and thereby move the elongated focus transversely. In some embodiments, the beam forming optics are positioned between the beam source and the first focusing lens, the first focusing lens is positioned between the beam forming optics and the second focusing lens, and the beam forming optics, the first focusing lens, and the second focusing lens are arranged to receive a beam of laser radiation from the beam source and to form the beam into an elongated focus.