Broadband Mid-Infrared Particle Analysis via Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FTIR spectrometry is limited by its low sensitivity and slow scanning speed, making it unsuitable for high-throughput analysis of biological samples, while flow cytometry relies on labeling techniques that are time-consuming and may alter cell behavior, and existing interferometric spectroscopic methods are restricted in specificity and require multiple quantum cascade lasers and detectors, making them expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A particle analysis method using a broadband light source and phase modulator to create coherent sample and probe light beams, which are superimposed and detected to provide a spectrally resolved response of particles in a flowing fluid sample, allowing for rapid and sensitive analysis without the need for labeling, with the ability to collect up to 30,000 spectra per second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional FTIR spectrometry is used for analyzing particles, then spectral information can be obtained, but the measuring speed is slow and sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic modulation of the optical path length in one arm of the interferometer to generate time-varying interference patterns. This periodic action allows rapid acquisition of spectral information through Fourier transformation, enabling high-speed measurement while maintaining spectral resolution. The modulation frequency is optimized to match the particle transit time through the measurement region, achieving up to 30,000 spectra per second.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical scanning mirror of conventional FTIR spectrometers with a phase modulator that electronically controls the optical path length. This substitution eliminates mechanical inertia and friction limitations, enabling much faster scanning speeds while maintaining the interferometric measurement principle that provides high spectral resolution.
2Productivity
If flow cytometry with labeling techniques is used, then measuring speed is high, but the process is time-consuming for sample preparation and may alter cell behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the labeling step from the analysis process by using label-free interferometric spectroscopy. The method directly measures the intrinsic optical properties of particles, removing the time-consuming sample preparation involving dye attachment while maintaining high measurement throughput through flow cytometry-style particle delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables particles to serve themselves by measuring their intrinsic optical absorption and scattering properties without requiring external labels or markers. The interferometric detection system captures the natural spectral fingerprint of each particle as it flows through the measurement region, eliminating the need for external reagents or preparation steps.
3Measurement precision
If interferometric spectroscopic methods with multiple quantum cascade lasers are used, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single broadband light source that covers a wide spectral range, replacing the need for multiple narrow-band quantum cascade lasers. The interferometric detection system processes the entire spectral range simultaneously, making the system more universal and adaptable to different measurement requirements without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple spectral measurements into a single interferometric measurement. By combining the sample beam with a reference beam in an interferometer and detecting the interference pattern, the system simultaneously captures spectral information across the entire bandwidth of the light source, eliminating the need for multiple separate detectors or 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 enhances sensitivity, specificity, and measuring speed, enabling high-throughput analysis of biological samples with improved signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to identify particle properties in real-time, combining the advantages of flow cytometry with label-free infrared spectroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
the light source device comprises at least one broadband source, which has an emission spectrum covering a mid-infrared frequency range
Implementation Method 2
varying a relative phase between the sample and probe light beams with a phase modulator device
Implementation Method 3
the step of detecting the sample and probe light beams comprises interferometrically sensing an optical spectrum of the at least one particle with the detector device
Implementation Method 4
irradiating the fluid sample with the sample light beam, whereas the fluid sample is flowing in at least one sample channel through a beam path of the sample light beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2E
Figure 3~5B
AI summary
A particle analysis method and apparatus, including a spectrometry- based analysis of a fluid sample (1), comprises the steps of creating a sample light beam S and a probe light beam P with a light source device (10) and periodically varying a relative phase between the sample and probe light beams S, P with a phase modulator device (20), irradiating the fluid sample (1) with the sample light beam S, detecting the sample and probe light beams S, P with a detector device (40), and providing a spectral response of the at least one particle (3), wherein the light source device (10) comprises at least one broadband source, which has an emission spectrum covering a mid-infrared MIR frequency range, and the phase modulator device (20) varies the relative phase with a scanning period equal to or below the irradiation period of irradiating the at least one particle (3, 4).