Microplate Illumination Arrays for Photoluminescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems using LEDs for microplate illumination in photoluminescence detection are inaccurate and insensitive due to the significantly lower power levels of ultraviolet LEDs compared to visible LEDs, necessitating a more effective approach for utilizing LEDs in these systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of arrays of spotlights, including both spotlights and floodlights, to illuminate microplates with excitation light, allowing for more uniform and controlled illumination patterns, which can compensate for nonuniform detector sensitivity and optimize light usage by focusing a greater percentage of light on the examination area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ultraviolet LEDs are used as light sources for microplate illumination, then the system can utilize LED advantages (low cost, efficiency, broad wavelength range), but the power level is several orders of magnitude less than visible LEDs, making the system inaccurate and insensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple separate LED modules, each targeting a specific region of the microplate. This segmentation allows each LED to be positioned optimally for maximum light delivery to its designated area, compensating for the lower power output of individual UV LEDs through coordinated multi-point illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements region-specific illumination by configuring LEDs to target particular areas of the microplate based on detector sensitivity variations. By adjusting the illumination intensity and distribution locally across different regions, the system compensates for both the low UV LED power and nonuniform detector sensitivity, maintaining consistent detection quality across the entire plate.
2Device complexity
If conventional LED illumination is used, then the system structure is simple, but the illumination is nonuniform and detector sensitivity varies across the examination area, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable LED modules that can be dynamically positioned and controlled. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt the illumination pattern to match the detector's sensitivity profile, correcting nonuniformities without requiring a completely complex fixed optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies illumination parameters (intensity, wavelength, spatial distribution) across different regions of the microplate by controlling individual LED modules. This parameter adjustment compensates for detector sensitivity variations and achieves uniform illumination while maintaining relative system simplicity through electronic control rather than complex optical components.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard LED arrays are used for illumination, then the cost is low, but a significant percentage of light falls outside the examination area, reducing light usage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the illumination into multiple targeted LED modules rather than using a single broad array, the system concentrates light delivery to specific regions of the microplate. This segmentation reduces light spill outside the examination area while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of LED technology through modular, scalable implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical elements (lenses, reflectors, or light guides) as intermediaries between the LED sources and the microplate. These intermediaries shape and direct the light paths to ensure maximum light delivery to the examination area, reducing waste without requiring expensive alternative light sources.
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 approach provides more uniform illumination, finer control over the illumination pattern, and more efficient use of light, enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of photoluminescence detection in microplate analysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
Samples held in wells of a microplate can be analyzed by detecting photoluminescence emission. The samples can contain one or more luminophores that emit light, such as fluorescence or phosphorescence, when illuminated with excitation light of the appropriate wavelength(s).
Data Source
AI summary
System, including methods and apparatus, for sample analysis using at least one array of spotlights to illuminate a microplate with excitation light for photoluminescence emission.