Microplate Reader Fluorescence Wavelength Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence microplate readers require a large number of filters for wide wavelength ranges, leading to high costs and filter availability issues, and often have limited excitation wavelength options due to the use of double monochromators or discrete wavelength lasers.
Innovation Solution
A microplate reader utilizing a plurality of narrow-band light sources, such as LEDs, in combination with a single tunable monochromator and a reduced number of filters to achieve continuous wavelength range fluorescence measurements at a lower cost, allowing for optimized signal-to-noise ratio and reduced stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of filters are used to achieve wide wavelength range, then the wavelength coverage is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the wavelength selection function into two parts: a bank of discrete narrow-band LED light sources (each emitting at a specific wavelength) and a single tunable filter. This segmentation allows the system to cover a wide wavelength range by selecting different LED sources rather than using multiple broad-band filters, thereby reducing the total number of filters needed while maintaining wavelength coverage versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tunable filter is designed to work with multiple different LED light sources across a wide wavelength range. Instead of requiring a dedicated filter for each wavelength band, the same filter can be tuned to select the appropriate wavelength from different LED sources, making it a universal component that serves multiple functions and reduces overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If double monochromators are used to increase wavelength selectivity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using double monochromators which provide high wavelength selectivity across the entire spectrum, the invention applies local quality by using narrow-band LED light sources that inherently emit at specific wavelengths with narrow bandwidths. This means the light source itself provides the wavelength selectivity locally at each LED's emission line, reducing the burden on the filtering system and allowing a single filter to achieve sufficient precision without requiring costly double monochromator configurations.
3Measurement precision
If discrete wavelength lasers are used for excitation, then the wavelength precision is improved, but the available wavelength options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of discrete wavelength sources (narrow bandwidth, high precision) with the versatility of multiple wavelength options by combining a bank of different narrow-band LED light sources. Each LED provides precise excitation at its specific wavelength, while the collection of multiple LEDs across different wavelength ranges provides the versatility to select from many discrete wavelength options, effectively combining the benefits of both approaches.
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 provides improved optical performance and cost-effectiveness by allowing continuous wavelength selection, reducing the need for multiple filters and double monochromators, while maintaining high-quality excitation signals and marker-specific emission detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source comprising a plurality of individual relatively narrow-band light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), having different emission bands
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength-tunable single monochromator for further limiting the wavelength of the light originating from one of the narrow-band light sources
Implementation Method 3
a filter or a plurality of filters, the number of filters being smaller than the number of individual light sources in the first light source, for preventing higher-order wavelengths from passing the monochromator
Implementation Method 4
fluorescence-based sample analysers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for optically analyzing samples contained in sample sites of a sample holder by means of fluorescence. The apparatus comprises a first light source comprising a plurality of individual light sources having narrow wavelength bands, means for further limiting wavelength bands of the light emitted by the individual light sources, means for guiding the reduced-wavelength light to the sample sites of the sample holder, and a detector for detecting light from the sample sites. According to the invention said means for further reducing the wavelength bands emitted by the individual light sources comprise a wavelength-tunable single monochromator. The invention allows manufacturing of a microplate reader having the capability for fluorescence measurements at a continuous wavelength range, while maintaining the cost of the device at a reasonable level.