Light Detection Device Reflector Aperture Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ATP detection systems face variability in accuracy and repeatability due to challenges in sample acquisition and optical system design, affecting their sensitivity and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A light detection device with a housing, receptacle, and detector configuration that includes a reflector with a cross-sectional area of the output aperture no greater than the active area of the detector, optimized to enhance light capture efficiency and improve sensitivity and reproducibility, while preventing sample leakage and ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional optical system is used for ATP detection, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity and reproducibility of detection are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary optical element between the sample and detector. This reflector mediates the light path to enhance light capture efficiency and improve detection sensitivity without requiring complex optical components or alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector employs a curved (spherical or hemispherical) surface geometry to optimize light reflection and focusing toward the detector. This curvature design enhances light capture efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple device structure, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and complexity
2Measurement precision
If manual sample handling is used, then the operation is flexible, but user variability affects accuracy and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is pre-configured with optimized dimensions and optical properties before sample introduction. This preliminary design of the sample holding structure ensures consistent sample positioning and light interaction, reducing user variability while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the receptacle (dimensions, material properties, optical characteristics) to standardize sample handling. By carefully selecting and controlling these parameters, the system achieves high detection accuracy without complicating the sample handling process
3Measurement precision
If the output aperture area is increased, then more light is captured, but ambient light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of ambient light into a beneficial configuration by designing the reflector and aperture system to selectively capture bioluminescent light while minimizing ambient light interference. The optimized aperture area and reflector geometry cause harmful ambient light to be reflected away from the detector while benefiting from enhanced capture of the desired bioluminescent signal
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 solution enhances the sensitivity and robustness of ATP detection systems, improving accuracy and reproducibility by optimizing light capture and reducing user variability in sample handling and optical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector disposed within the housing between a second end of the receptacle and an input surface of the detector
Implementation Method 2
a luciferin/luciferase enzyme assay system uses ATP to generate light
Implementation Method 3
a luciferin/luciferase enzyme assay system uses ATP to generate light
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments of a light detection device (10) and a system (2) that utilizes such device (10) are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device (10) includes a housing (12) that includes a port (20) disposed in a top surface (14), a receptacle (30) disposed within the housing (12) and adapted to receive a sample (80), a detector (40) disposed within the housing (12) along an optical axis (31) and including an input surface (42) having an active area, and a reflector (50) disposed within the housing (12) along the optical axis (31) between the receptacle (30) and the input surface (42) of the detector (40). The reflector (50) includes an input aperture (56) disposed adjacent the receptacle (30), an output aperture (58) disposed adjacent the input surface (42) of the detector (40), and a reflective surface (51) that extends between the input aperture (56) and the output aperture (58).