Luminescence Detection via Dark Count Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analysis techniques face challenges in measuring low concentrations of specific components in analytes due to weak luminescence signals, requiring high sensitivity to detect subtle luminescence effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sample analysis system and method that utilizes a photon counter with a sample analysis substrate featuring a rotation mechanism, light-shield cap, and magnetic particles to enhance luminescence detection sensitivity by correcting for temperature influences and stray light, allowing accurate measurement of luminescence intensity through precise photon counting and dark count subtraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional luminescence detection methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the sensitivity is insufficient for detecting low-concentration analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-shielding cap as an intermediary component between the light source and the photodetector. This cap blocks stray light from reaching the photodetector directly, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio for luminescence detection without requiring complex shielding structures or additional filtering systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary dark count measurement and subtraction to remove background noise before final luminescence quantification. By measuring the dark count signal separately and subtracting it from the total signal, the system enhances sensitivity for low-concentration analyte detection without adding complex real-time noise filtering hardware.
2Measurement precision
If measurement time is extended to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then detection sensitivity improves, but measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and measures the dark count signal separately from the luminescence signal. By performing dark count measurement independently and subtracting it mathematically, the system achieves accurate luminescence quantification without requiring extended measurement times, thereby maintaining high measurement efficiency while improving signal accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic rotation of the sample analysis substrate to bring different regions (including dark regions for dark count measurement) into the detection position at specific time intervals. This periodic action enables both luminescence signal acquisition and dark count measurement within a single rotation cycle, improving signal-to-noise ratio without sacrificing measurement efficiency.
3Reliability
If temperature control measures are implemented, then temperature-induced fluctuations are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dark region as an intermediary measurement zone that allows characterization of temperature-induced dark count fluctuations. By measuring dark counts in this controlled environment and applying correction factors, the system compensates for temperature effects without requiring active temperature control systems or thermal insulation modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback correction by continuously monitoring dark count levels and adjusting the luminescence signal accordingly. The control unit uses the measured dark count signal as feedback to subtract background noise and correct for temperature-induced variations, thereby improving measurement reliability without adding complex temperature control hardware.
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 highly accurate and sensitive measurement of low-concentration analytes by suppressing temperature and stray light-induced fluctuations, ensuring reliable detection of subtle luminescence signals.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector (209) having a light-receiving surface disposed opposite to the measurement chamber (103) of the rotating sample analysis substrate (100)
Implementation Method 2
a sample analysis system, and a method of measuring luminescence of a sample which allows subtle luminescence to be measured with high sensitivity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sample analysis device (500) includes: a motor (201) to rotate a sample analysis substrate (100) with a sample introduced thereon around a rotation axis (101) of the sample analysis substrate (100); a drive circuit (206) to drive the motor (201); a photodetector (207) to measure a number of photons associated with a luminescence from the sample being transmitted through a window of a measurement chamber (103) of the sample analysis substrate (100); and a control circuit (205) to calculate a measurement value of the luminescence of the sample by using a number of photons measured by the photodetector (207) while the motor (201) rotates the sample analysis substrate (100).