Light Metering Feedback for Precise Sample Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory equipment for optogenetics lacks the ability to measure and control the actual exposure of chemical and biological samples to light, leading to uncontrolled illumination due to variations in light scattering and absorption by the samples, which affects the reproducibility and reliability of experiments.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a light metering unit to measure and adjust light intensity in real-time, compensating for changes in light scattering and absorption within the sample, ensuring precise control of light exposure through feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized laboratory equipment for optogenetics is not available, then self-made devices can be customized, but reproducibility and reliability of experiments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring actual light exposure with light metering units and using this information to adjust illumination intensity. This ensures that despite variations in sample optical properties, the intended light exposure is achieved consistently, thereby improving reproducibility while maintaining customization capability through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts illumination parameters (intensity, wavelength, duration) based on measured light exposure and sample characteristics. This allows standardized control of light delivery while accommodating different sample types and conditions, resolving the contradiction between customization and reproducibility.
2Illumination intensity
If light intensity is increased to compensate for absorption and scattering, then illumination effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures actual light exposure and adjusts illumination intensity accordingly, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. Instead of continuously operating at high intensity, the system only increases illumination when and where needed to compensate for measured absorption and scattering, optimizing the energy-use effectiveness ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from static fixed-intensity operation to dynamic adjustable intensity based on real-time measurements. This allows the system to adapt illumination levels to actual conditions, reducing energy waste while maintaining effectiveness when required.
3Measurement precision
If light metering units are added to measure light exposure, then control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light metering units serve multiple functions: measuring light exposure for feedback control, characterizing sample optical properties, and validating illumination delivery. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing precise measurement capabilities that enable reliable optogenetic control across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement capability is integrated into a feedback control loop where measured values directly inform illumination adjustments. This closed-loop approach transforms the added complexity into a benefit, as the metering units enable precise control that would otherwise be impossible, achieving net improvement in system performance.
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
Enables reproducible and reliable illumination by monitoring and adjusting light exposure in real-time, allowing for quantitative control of cellular responses and processes, such as optogenetic control, by measuring and compensating for changes in optical properties of the sample.
Implementation Method 1
compensating for changes in light scattering and absorption within the sample
Implementation Method 2
compensating for changes in light scattering and absorption within the sample
Implementation Method 3
at least one illumination means for illuminating the chemical and/or biological sample in the internal space
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (15) and related methods, comprising at least one internal space (16) which is designed to hold at least one chemical and/or biological sample or which is designed to comprise at least one container (20) designed to hold at least one chemical and/or biological sample (28), and at least one illumination means (24) for illuminating the chemical and/or biological sample (28) in the internal space (16), wherein the device (15) further comprises or is provided with at least one light metering unit (26) being designed to measure an intensity of light that has passed through and/or is scattered by the chemical and/or biological sample (28) in the internal space (16). It is an advantage of the device (15) that the light metering unit (26) is a kind of detection device to detect light exposure of the chemical and/or biological sample (28) during the process of illumination (e.g., optogenetic control, photoactivation or photocatalysis), preferably in real-time, so as to effectively control illumination of the sample (28).