Microtiter Plate Optical Measurement With Concave-Mirror Nephelometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining optical properties of samples in microtiter plates lack the ability to perform nephelometric measurements with high sensitivity and simultaneously utilize other measurement techniques without repositioning the sample.
Innovation Solution
A device with a light source arrangement and an optically downstream excitation path that includes a concave mirror in the emission path to distinguish between first and second emission light, allowing for nephelometric, turbidimetric, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence measurements by directing angle-changed and unchanged light to separate detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a device is designed for nephelometric measurements with high sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for angle-selective emission paths and separate detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The emission path is segmented into two separate paths: a first emission path for collecting angle-changed scattered light and a second emission path for collecting unchanged transmitted light. Each path has its own detector, allowing independent optimization for nephelometric sensitivity while maintaining the ability to perform other measurements through the second path.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both angle-selective emission paths that can detect scattered light for nephelometry and transmitted light for other measurement techniques. This allows the same device to perform nephelometric measurements with high sensitivity while also being capable of fluorescence, absorption, and other optical measurements without requiring separate devices or repositioning samples.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement techniques are integrated into a single device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple emission paths and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple emission paths that can be selectively used for different measurement techniques. The first emission path with angle-selective detection is optimized for nephelometry, while the second emission path can detect transmitted light for fluorescence, absorption, and other measurements. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into separate detectors for different measurement types, with the first detector optimized for scattered light detection and the second detector for transmitted light detection. This segmentation allows each detector to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility.
3Measurement precision
If angle-changed light is separated from unchanged light, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the concave mirror and optical elements required
Solution Approach 1:
A concave mirror is used in the first emission path to collect and focus angle-changed scattered light from the sample onto the first detector. The curved surface of the concave mirror efficiently gathers light from various angles and directs it to the detector, improving measurement precision for nephelometric measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct emission paths with separate optical elements. The first emission path includes the concave mirror and optical elements specific to scattered light collection, while the second emission path has separate elements for transmitted light collection. This segmentation allows optimization of each path without requiring the entire system to be complex.
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 higher sensitivity in nephelometric measurements and enables simultaneous or successive use of multiple optical measurement techniques, correcting for light loss due to scattering and absorption, providing more precise measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
A concave mirror with a mirror surface rotationally symmetrical to an optical axis of the emission path is arranged in the emission path for collecting emission light emerging divergently upward from the sample
Implementation Method 2
Nephelometry is an optical measurement technique for quantitatively determining the particle fraction in suspensions or aerosols based on the intensity of scattered light generated by suspended particles due to the Tyndall effect
Implementation Method 3
An optically downstream excitation path leads from the light source as excitation light from an upper light entrance side to a measuring position located in a sample plane
Implementation Method 4
In turbidity measurement (turbidimetry), the scattered portion of the primary radiation is determined from the difference between the incident light and the transmitted light
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for determining the optical properties of samples arranged in a matrix arrangement in wells of a microtiter plate (MPL) comprises a light source arrangement with at least one light source (LQ); an excitation path (AP) for transmitting light from the light source as excitation light from a light entry side (LES) to a measurement position (MP) located in a sample plane (PE), in which a sample (P) is or can be arranged, which is contained in a well (PB) of a microtiter plate (MPL) equipped with a transparent bottom (B); a first detector (DET1); and an angle-selective emission path (EP) leading from a light exit side (LAS) of the measurement position opposite the light entry side (LES) to the first detector (DET1), and which is configured such that a portion of the first emission light generated by interaction between excitation light and sample, which is angle-modified relative to the excitation light, is detected by the first detector (DET1).The first emission light falls onto a sensitive surface of the first detector (DET1), and the second emission light, which is not angularly altered relative to the excitation light, does not reach the first detector (DET1). A concave mirror (PS) with a mirror surface (SPF) rotationally symmetric to an optical axis of the emission path is arranged in the emission path to collect the first emission light emerging divergently from the sample. The concave mirror has a light entrance aperture (LEO) on one side facing the sample plane and widens to a light exit aperture (LAO) optically facing the first detector (DET1).