Light Polarization Analyzer for Simultaneous Multi-Point Viscosity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluorescence depolarization method for measuring viscosity or bioanalysis requires multiple single-point measurements, leading to long measurement times, large apparatus sizes, and high costs due to the need for separate detection of perpendicular light components.
Innovation Solution
A light polarization analyzer with a polarization selector and image sensor array that can simultaneously measure orthogonal polarization components using a cyclic driving signal, allowing for multi-point data acquisition and calculation of fluorescence polarization degree.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional fluorescence depolarization method is used to measure multiple points, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization selector is divided into multiple pixels, each independently controllable to select different polarization directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple polarization components across different spatial positions, enabling multi-point measurement without sequential scanning and thus reducing measurement time while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point sequential measurement to two-dimensional array measurement by arranging pixels in a two-dimensional configuration. This dimensional expansion allows parallel acquisition of polarization data across multiple spatial positions simultaneously, dramatically reducing measurement time while covering a larger area
2Measurement precision
If multiple single-point measurements are performed sequentially, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization selector enables continuous simultaneous measurement across all pixels during a single exposure, eliminating the need for repeated sequential measurements. Each pixel continuously captures polarization information in parallel, maintaining precision through consistent optical paths while dramatically increasing throughput by measuring all points simultaneously in one continuous action
3Measurement precision
If separate detection systems are used for orthogonal polarization components, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the detection of orthogonal polarization components into a single image sensor by using a polarization selector with multiple pixels that can independently select different polarization directions. This consolidation allows simultaneous detection of parallel and perpendicular polarization components through one unified detection system, maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity compared to separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel in the polarization selector serves multiple functions by being capable of selecting different polarization directions independently. This multi-functionality allows a single pixel to perform what would traditionally require separate dedicated detectors for different polarization components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the precision of separate detection through software-controlled optical switching
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 efficient, simultaneous measurement of multiple points, reducing measurement time and cost while maintaining precision comparable to conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization selector 30...configured such that each pixel receives a corresponding portion of the measurement light, selects the measurement light having a polarization direction that corresponds to a driving signal applied to the pixel
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor 20...so as to receive a measurement light generated from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An excitation light source emits excitation light to a target sample. An image sensor includes pixels arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, and receives measurement light from the sample according to the excitation light. A polarization selector arranged between the sample and image sensor includes pixels arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each pixel receives a corresponding portion of the measurement light, selects light having a polarization direction that corresponds to a driving signal applied to the pixels, and supplies this light to the image sensor. A measurement control unit supplies the cyclic driving signal having a first period T1, and acquires data I1, I2, I3, and I4 from each pixel of the image sensor for each exposure time segment T2=T1/4 obtained by dividing the first period T1 by 4.