Luminescence Detector Cooling via Convection to Suppress Dark Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminescence detection devices face challenges in accurately measuring weak bioluminescence and chemiluminescence due to issues like dew condensation, refraction, and scattering caused by cooling of the light receiving surface, leading to reduced light recovery efficiency and signal noise ratio, especially when detecting non-directive light sources.
Innovation Solution
A luminescence measurement device is designed with a constant temperature dry air supply system and electronic cooling elements to maintain the light receiving surface and sample container at optimal temperatures, preventing dew condensation and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio while allowing close proximity to the sample container for improved light detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light detector is cooled to reduce dark current, then dark current values and pulse counts decrease, but the device complexity increases due to temperature control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A plate member is introduced as an intermediary component between the light detector and the environment. This plate member serves as a thermal barrier that isolates the light detector from ambient temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing dark current without requiring complex active temperature control systems. The plate member mediates the thermal interaction, allowing passive cooling through simple structural design rather than active thermodynamic control.
2Measurement precision
If a larger solid angle is used to capture optical signals, then detection sensitivity improves, but directivity control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light detector is positioned in a configuration that utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to achieve large solid angle coverage. By strategically placing the detector at specific coordinates relative to the sample container and using reflective surfaces, the system captures luminescence from multiple directions simultaneously. This dimensional approach allows comprehensive light collection while maintaining operational simplicity through fixed geometric relationships rather than complex directional control mechanisms.
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 device achieves high sensitivity and quantitative measurement of bioluminescence by suppressing noise and temperature-derived variations, enabling detection of weak light signals from low concentrations with improved precision and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilator to blow air on the light receiving face of the light detector
Implementation Method 2
a light detector to detect luminescence in the sample
Implementation Method 3
a temperature control unit to control the temperature of the light detector
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Provided is a weak luminescence detecting device that is capable of, in luminescence measurements, reducing dark current values and dark current pulse counts, preventing fluctuations in dark current values and dark current pulse counts with respect to temperature, and capturing an optical signal with a large solid angle, and that can, with high sensitivity, detect luminescence without directivity, such as bioluminescence and chemiluminescence. A luminescence measuring device is provided with a plate member to hold a container holder in which a sample is stored, a light detector to detect luminescence in the sample, a temperature control unit to control the temperature of the light detector, and a ventilator to blow air on the light receiving face of the light detector.