Lensless Optical Detection Cartridge with Reflective Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detection systems for chemical, biological, and physical samples face challenges in achieving efficient and cost-effective measurements, particularly in terms of size, alignment requirements, and the ability to handle various sample types and sizes, while also dealing with stray light and the need for precise optical configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a light source, optical filters, collimation optics, and absorbers to control stray light, combined with a cartridge design that includes a reflective layer and a detector for side illumination and detection, allowing for lens-less configurations, reduced alignment needs, and the ability to handle diverse sample sizes and types, including fluorescence measurements without beam splitters or precise tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical detection systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary optical components such as beam splitters, lenses, and complex filter assemblies from conventional detection systems. By removing these components, the system achieves simplified architecture while maintaining measurement capability through direct illumination and detection geometries that work effectively without these elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal optical detection architecture where a single light source and detector configuration can measure multiple parameters (absorbance, fluorescence, scattering) by changing software analysis rather than hardware components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If precise optical configurations and alignments are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and alignment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct functional zones with light sources positioned at specific locations relative to sample chambers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without requiring precise alignment between all components, as each zone is optimized for its specific measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring precise alignment of light sources and detectors to achieve measurement precision, the patent inverts the approach by using diffuse illumination and detection geometries where precision is achieved through software analysis of light patterns rather than precise optical alignment. This inversion maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems are used, then detection capability is provided, but adaptability to various sample types and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable optical parameters including variable light source intensity, adjustable detector sensitivity, and software-based sample characterization. These dynamic adjustments allow the same optical system to adapt to various sample types and sizes without changing the physical optical configuration, thereby improving versatility while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
4Measurement precision
If stray light control measures are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of stray light into a beneficial measurement parameter by using it as an indicator of sample properties. Instead of attempting to eliminate stray light through complex blocking measures, the system measures and analyzes stray light patterns to extract information about sample characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision without adding optical complexity.
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 compact, low-cost, and versatile optical detection systems capable of multiplexing and high sensitivity, suitable for portable and point-of-care instruments, with reduced impact from bubble formation and the ability to query large surface areas, supporting applications like qPCR and ELISA without the need for precise alignments or tight tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a light source having a first side and a second side
Implementation Method 2
a first optical filter having a first side and a second side, the first side of the first optical filter being substantially close to the second side of the light source
Implementation Method 3
a collimation and/or guidance optics having a first side and a second side, the first side of the collimation and/or guidance optics being substantially close to the second side of the first optical filter
Implementation Method 4
one or more absorbing layers attached to the second side of the optics to control stray light, wherein the one or more absorbing layers being partially covering the second side of the optics to control stray light
Implementation Method 5
a reflective layer attached to bottom of the cartridge, wherein the light emitted by the sample are reflected back to the sample by the reflective layer and guided by the reflector towards a second side of the cartridge
Implementation Method 6
a detector having a first side and a second side, the first side of the detector being substantially close to the second side of the cartridge, wherein the detector detects the light emitted by the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Structures and methods are described for optical detection of physical, chemical and/or biological samples. An optical detection structure may include a LED source, multiple filters and single or multiple sample areas. A detector may be used to record a fluorescence signal. The sample area may allow the introduction of removable cartridges.