Luminometer Chamber Mirrored Inner Face Photon Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminometers face inefficiencies in photon counting, which affects the detection of light levels necessary for ensuring product quality and safety, particularly in determining microbial contamination and hygiene in industrial and healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a luminometer chamber with a mirrored inner side face and a photomultiplier assembly, including a receptor panel and a deactivator, to enhance light collection and minimize photon loss, using materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for improved optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional luminometer systems use traditional sample chambers without mirrored surfaces, then the device structure is simpler, but light collection efficiency is insufficient leading to poor photon counting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful loss of photons (which would normally escape or be absorbed by chamber walls) into a beneficial effect by lining the chamber with mirrored surfaces. These mirrors reflect escaped photons back toward the photomultiplier tube, turning photon loss into additional detection opportunities and significantly improving photon counting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mirrored chamber surface acts as an intermediary between the light source (test sample) and the detector (photomultiplier tube). Instead of photons directly traveling to the detector or being lost to the environment, the mirrored surface mediates their path by reflecting them, ensuring maximum photons reach the detector for accurate measurement
2Measurement precision
If the luminometer uses a light-blocking entrance port design, then external light interference is reduced improving measurement accuracy, but the device requires more complex light blocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-blocking function from a separate mechanical mechanism and integrates it directly into the chamber structure itself. The chamber walls and entrance port are designed with light-absorbing or light-blocking materials built-in, eliminating the need for additional shutters or masks and simplifying the overall device while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If traditional transparent test vials are used, then sample insertion is easier, but light transmission is insufficient affecting detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the critical light-path portions of the sample holder transparent (such as the bottom and sides facing the photomultiplier tube), while other portions can be opaque or light-blocking. This selective transparency maintains detection sensitivity where needed while allowing for easier sample holder design and insertion elsewhere
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
This configuration significantly improves light collection efficiency, providing more accurate and reliable measurements of light emission from test samples, thereby enhancing the detection of microbial contamination and ensuring product safety.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber (10) with a mirrored inner side face
Implementation Method 2
a photomultiplier assembly (20) including a photomultiplier tube (22)
Data Source
AI summary
An improved luminometer, chamber insert, and deactivator is shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a luminometer for use with a test sample holder and is configured to determine the emitted light from the test sample holder. Typically, the luminometer includes a housing having a sample port, a photomultiplier assembly, and a chamber having a mirrored inner side face. In certain examples, an improved chamber for a luminometer comprises an insert portion, a photomultiplier portion, and a deactivator.